Sella turcica variations in patients with transverse skeletal discrepancies versus patients with normal transverse relationships. a cross- sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The sella turcica (ST) is a crucial landmark in orthodontics. It is utilized as a reliable predictor of future growth of the skeletal pattern, assisting in early diagnosis and promoting better treatment planning options. The goal of this research was to compare the morphology and bridging of the sella turcica in transverse maxillary deficient malocclusions and malocclusions with normal transverse relationships. METHODS: A total of 52 cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images were selected with an age range of 18-30 years. Group I comprised 26 patients previously diagnosed with transverse maxillary deficiency, while group II comprised 26 patients with normal transverse skeletal relationships. The length, depth and diameter of the ST were measured by two observers, the shape was evaluated as round, oval or flat and sellar bridging was calculated in each case. An Independent t-test was used to compare between the sellar dimensions in both groups. For assessment of bridging percentage Chi square test was used. RESULTS: The mean values of the length, depth and diameter of the sella in group I was 11.09 mm, 8.56 and 12.81 mm respectively and 10.34 mm, 8.24 and 12.38 mm in group II respectively (P ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were found between both groups in any of the sellar dimensions. The rounded ST shape was the most prevalent among both groups (59.6%). Partial ST bridging was found in only 7.7% of group I (p < 0.0001*). Complete ST bridging wasn't detected in either of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was no correlation found between transverse maxillary deficiency and the morphology and bridging of the sella turcica.

The Effect of Local Pharmacological Agents in Acceleration of Orthodontic Tooth Movement: A Systematic Review.

AIM: Acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement has gained a massive interest to decrease the total treatment time. Local pharmacological agents might be used for that purpose as a practical, effective and inexpensive alternative. A systematic review was achieved to evaluate the evidence in that topic. METHODS: A search was conducted on electronic databases including PubMed, Lilacs, Web of Science (Thompson Reuters), EMBASE (OvidSP), and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Wiley) in addition to hand searching of relevant journals till June 2018. Only studies written in English were utilised. Publications were selected, assessed systematically and graded by two observers according to Bondemark grading system. RESULTS: Only two human studies were found investigating the effect of Relaxin and Prostaglandins in the rate of orthodontic tooth movement. No obvious side effects were reported. Relaxin showed no increase in the rate of tooth movement while prostaglandin showed a marked increase in the rate of orthodontic tooth movement. CONCLUSION: There is below moderate evidence showing no effect of relaxin on orthodontic tooth movement, while inconclusive evidence was found regarding Prostaglandin in the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement. More prospective well-conducted clinical trials are needed to reach a proper conclusion regarding the local pharmacological agents which can be safely used to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement.