Ontogenesis of the Sella Turcica among Egyptians: Forensic and Radiological Study

• Published in: Human biology Vol. 90; no. 4; pp. 301 - 310
• Main Authors: El-Sehly, Wafaa Mohamed, Magdy Badr El Dine, Fatma Mohamed, Shaban, Mohamed Samir
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wayne State University Press 01.11.2018
• Subjects: Adult; Age; Age determination; Age Factors; Age groups; Archaeology - methods; Cephalometry; Chronology; Computed tomography; Egypt; egyptians; Female; Forensic Medicine - methods; Forensic science; Humans; Legal medicine; Male; Multidetector Computed Tomography; Older people; Ontogeny; Pituitary gland; Radiology; Regression Analysis; sella turcica; Sella Turcica - diagnostic imaging; Sella Turcica - growth & development; sex; Sex determination; Sex Factors; Sexes; Sexual dimorphism; Statistical analysis; subadult; Tomography; Variables; Width; Work stations; Young Adult; Egypt; subadult; egyptians; age; sex; sella turcica
• ISSN: 0018-7143; 1534-6617
• DOI: 10.13110/humanbiology.90.4.04

The sella turcica has gained importance as a stable bony landmark in cephalometric studies. This study explored the changes that accompany postnatal ontogeny of the sella turcica until full development and verified its contribution in age estimation and sexual assignment among Egyptians. Six selected measurements of the sella turcica of 215 Egyptian patients were assessed using multidetector computed tomography. The patients represented different ages and were referred to the Diagnostic and Interventional Radiological Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University. The gathered data were then subjected to statistical analysis, including correlation and regression analysis. The measurements of the sella showed a strong correlation with age. Three selected measurements demonstrated significant sexual dimorphism: sella width and anterior and median height in subjects 20–25 years old. Six regression equations were derived. The accuracy achieved by the combined parameters in the younger group (<25 years old) was higher than that in the older individuals. This study provides useful tools in the determination of age and sex in both forensic and bioarcheological disciplines. However, further studies concerning the shape are strongly suggested.