Evaluation of Sella Turcica Shape and Dimensions in Cleft Subjects Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Retrospective evaluation of ponticulus posticus prevalence, sella turcica types, and stylohyoid complex calcifications in a group of Turkish population

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to assess the incidence of ponticulus posticus and stylohyoid ligament calcification and to evaluate the morphological variations of the sella turcica within the Turkish demographic using CBCT scans. Involving a retrospective review of 460 CBCT scans and utilizing the NewTom 3G system, the study analyzed high-quality CBCT images to investigate ponticulus posticus, stylohyoid ligament calcifications, and sella turcica morphology. The ponticulus posticus was examined for complete or partial formations, while the stylohyoid ligament was classified according to its elongation and calcification patterns. The sella turcica was categorized into six distinct morphological types, enhancing the understanding of structural variations in the context of the Turkish population. The calcification patterns of the styloid processes were examined on both sides of 380 individuals, revealing the highest prevalence in the 'd' and 'e' categories on the right, and similar findings on the left among 373 individuals. Symmetric calcification patterns were more common, with 68.4% symmetry observed. For the sella turcica, category 'a' was the most frequent among 363 individuals. Analysis of ponticulus posticus absence and presence showed a majority lacking this feature on both sides, with complete and partial forms less common. The study highlights the anatomical variability and bilateral symmetry of the styloid processes, sella turcica, and ponticulus posticus, illustrating that these structures do not significantly vary with gender or age. These results hold clinical significance for the diagnosis and treatment of related conditions, prompting further investigation into their impact on patient care.

Morphometric Analysis of the Sella Turcica on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images

INTRODUCTION

Sella turcica is an important anatomic formation that contains the pituitary gland and is in a close neighborhood with many vital structures. It is important to know the morphometry of the sella turcica, as it is a transition point during surgical interventions such as the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to the region. The findings obtained are thought to be useful in the examination of sella turcica and surrounding structures and will contribute to the literature by knowing the morphometry of the region for the surgical method.

METHOD

In this study, cone-beam computed tomography images of 400 individuals, 200 females and 200 males, aged between 18 and 65 years, who did not have craniofacial pathology, who applied to Gaziantep University, Faculty of Dentistry between 2015 and 2020 for any reason, were evaluated retrospectively. In the sagittal section, 8 parameters were examined, 6 of which were transverse.

RESULTS

The length () of the sella turcica in the sagittal plane is 10.19±1.77 mm, the diameter of the sella turcica is 11.6±1.69 mm, the anterior height of the sella turcica is 7.88±1.56 mm, the median height of the sella turcica 8.18±1.42 mm, posterior height of sella turcica 6.98±1.31 mm, width of sella turcica 11.10±1.6 mm. The distance between anterior clinoid processes in the transverse plane was 24.93±2.57 mm, and the distance between posterior clinoid processes was 14.92±2.46 mm.

CONCLUSION

It was determined that there was an increase in many parameters with age, and length of the sella turcica and anterior clinoid processes were statistically significantly higher in males.

Exploring the association between PITX2, third molars agenesis and sella turcica morphology : PITX2, third molars agenesis and sella turcica morphology

OBJECTIVES

PITX2 is required for mammalian development and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this gene could be involved in dental agenesis and sella turcica patterns. Thus, the present study evaluated the association between SNPs in PITX2, third molars agenesis and sella turcica phenotypes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sample consisted of healthy orthodontic German patients with lateral cephalometric radiographs with clearly visualization of the sella turcica, and dental orthopantomograms. The morphological variations of the sella turcica were evaluated using the lateral cephalograms, while third molar agenesis was evaluated using orthopantomograms. DNA isolated from buccal cells was used for genotyping three SNPs in PITX2 (rs3796902, rs1947187, and rs2595110). The analyzes were performed using a significance of 5%. There was no association between third molar agenesis and sella turcica phenotypes (p > 0.05). SNPs in PITX2 were also not associated with third molars agenesis (p > 0.05).

RESULTS

SNPs in PITX2 were associated with sella turcica phenotypes. The rs3796902 was associated with hypertrophic posterior clinoid process (p = 0.013). The rs1947187 and rs2595110 were associated with sella turcica bridge type A (p = 0.013 and p = 0.011, respectively for genotype distribution). Patients that carry the genotypes GG-CC-AG (rs3796902- rs1947187- rs2595110) had 7.2 higher chance to present sella turcica bridge type A (p = 0.002; Odds ratio = 7.2, Confidence interval 95% 2.04-27.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Third molar agenesis was not associated with SNPs in PITX2 and sella turcica phenotypes. SNPs in PITX2 may have an important role in sella turcica pattern.

Morphology of the Sella Turcica: A Meta-Analysis Based on the Results of 18,364 Patients

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis aimed to present data on the sella turcica (ST) morphology and variations. Furthermore, a detailed morphometric analysis of the ST was conducted.

METHODS

Major online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched through. The overall search process was conducted in three stages.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis was based on the results of 18,364 patients and demonstrates the most up-to-date and relevant data regarding the morphology of the ST in the available literature. Four classification methods of the ST shape can be distinguished, in which the most commonly occurring variants are the normal ST (55.56%), the U-shaped ST (73.58%), the circular type of ST (42.29%), and non-bridging ST (55.64%). The overall midpoint height of the ST was 6.59 mm (SE = 0.13). The overall length of the ST was 9.06 mm (SE = 0.15). The overall volume of the ST was 845.80 mm3 (SE = 288.92). Four main classification methods of ST morphology can be distinguished in the available literature. Various morphometric characteristics of the ST may be applied in clinical practice to evaluate its shape, dimensions, and normal or pathological variants.

Radiographic Analysis of Morphological Variations of Sella Turcica in Different Skeletal Patterns Among Saudi Subpopulations

Background

Size and shape of the sella turcica is considered vital for many radiographic analyses.

Objectives

To assess and compare the linear dimensions and shape of sella turcica on digital lateral cephalograms in Saudi subpopulation with different skeletal patterns, age groups and genders.

Methodology

A total of 300 digital lateral cephalograms were retrieved from the hospital archive. The selected cephalograms were grouped based on the age, gender, and skeletal types. The linear dimensions and shape of sella turcica were measured on each radiograph. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test and a one-way ANOVA. To test the inter-relationship of age, gender, and skeletal type with the dimensions of sella turcica, regression analyses were used. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.01.

Results

Significant differences in linear dimensions between the age groups (P < 0.001) and genders (P < 0.001) were noted. On comparing sella size with different skeletal types, a significant difference was found for all sella dimensions (P < 0.001). The mean length, depth and diameter among skeletal class III were significantly higher than that among classes I and II. On comparing age, gender, and skeletal type with size of sella, age and skeletal type were significantly related to the change of length, depth and diameter (P < 0.001), whereas gender was found to be significantly related only to a change in length of the sella (P < 0.01). For the sella shape, normal morphology was noted in 44.3% of patients.

Conclusion

According to the findings of this study, the measurements of sella can be used as reference standards for future studies in Saudi subpopulation.

Morphological and Metrical Relationships Between Sphenoid Sinus and Sella Turcica: Possible Applications in Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Transsphenoidal surgeries imply the risk of intraoperative lesions to the neurovascular structures surrounding the sphenoid sinus (SS). Aim of the present study is to assess the metrical and morphologic relationships existing between SS and sella turcica (ST).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred computed tomography-scans of patients were selected. For each patient volumes of SS were calculated from their 3-dimensional models segmented through ITK-SNAP program. Variants of SS in pneumatisation and sellar diameters [antero-posterior (AP) diameter, depth, and length] were evaluated on each computed tomography-scan. Correlations among different measurements were assessed through Spearman test ( P <0.01), whereas associations between sellar parameters and presence of pneumatisation variants were assessed through Mann-Whitney test ( P <0.01).

RESULTS

In males, pneumatization of the greater wings was related to smaller AP diameter ( P <0.01) and depth of ST ( P <0.01), whereas in females lower values of depth were found in patients with pneumatization of the pterygoid processes ( P <0.01). In both sexes, a positive correlation was found between AP diameter and, respectively, length and depth of ST ( P <0.01), together with a negative correlation between volume of SS and depth of ST ( P <0.01). Lastly, in females a positive correlation was found between age and, respectively, length and depth of ST ( P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study highlighted new metrical and morphologic relationships between volume and pneumatisation of SS and diameters of ST. Knowledge of these correlations allows to understand more clearly, in the preoperative setting, the surgical working space. Further studies are needed, especially for what concerns the relationship between sellar measurements and age in females.

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.

Radio-Morphometric Analysis of Sella Turcica in Relation to Age and Gender in Sri Ganganagar Population: A Prospective Cephalometric Study

Background Sella turcica (ST) is a crucial structure that is morphologically situated in the median position and is well-utilised in cephalometrics. This saddle-shaped sella constitutes a significant radiographic landmark for various related analyses. Therefore, studying its varying dimensions in different populations is of utmost importance. This paper evaluates and compares the linear dimensions and morphological variations of ST in different facial skeletal classes in relation to age and gender using lateral cephalograms in the Sri Ganganagar population. Methodology The study population was selected through simple random sampling from the accessible population of the Sri Ganganagar district. A total of 180 participants of both genders were selected from patients who visited the outpatient clinic of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology of Surendra Dental College and Research Institute in Sri Ganganagar. These samples were equally divided into three age groups. Apart from typical morphology, five possible variations of ST were determined. The area of ST on the lateral cephalogram was also evaluated. The extent of ST was calculated from the tubercle portion to the top of the dorsal side. The relative deepness of the sella was assessed by making a tangent across the innermost point of the sella. SPSS software was utilised for statistical analysis and related inferences. Results In the study sample (n = 180), 50% were men and 50% were women. The sample was divided into three equal groups based on age: Group I (n = 60; 33.33%) consisted of participants aged 15-20; Group II (n = 60; 33.33%) consisted of participants aged 21-25; and Group III (n = 60; 33.33%) consisted of participants aged 26-30. Conclusions The anteroposterior diameter of the sella structure is strongly related to age progression with no significant gender correlation. The most common shape of ST other than the normal one was oblique. Additionally, skeletal relationships showed a significant relationship with the shape of ST in the study population.

Maturation of the sella turcica and parasellar region: Surgical relevance for anterior skull base approaches in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE

Traditional and extended transnasal transsphenoidal approaches provide direct access to a variety of anterior skull base pathologies. Despite increased utilization of transnasal approaches in children, anatomic studies on pediatric skull base maturation are limited. We herein perform a surgically relevant morphometric analysis of the sella and parasellar regions during pediatric maturation.

METHODS

Measurements of sellar length (SL), sellar depth (SDp), sellar diameter (SDm), interclinoid distance (ID), intercavernous distance (ICD), and the presence of sphenoid sinus pneumatization (SSP), and sphenoid sinus type (SST) were made on thin-cut CT scans from 60 patients (evenly grouped by ages 0-3, 4-7, 8-11 12-15, 16-18, and >18 years) for analysis. Data were analyzed by sex and age groups using t-tests and linear regression.

RESULTS

Sella and parasellar parameters did not differ by sex. SL steadily increased from 8.5 ± 1.2 mm to 11.5 ± 1.6 mm throughout development. SDp and SDm increased from 6.0 ± 0.9 mm to 9.3 ± 1.4 mm and 9.0 ± 1.6 mm to 14.4 ± 1.8 mm during maturation, with significant interval growth from ages 16-18 to adult (p < 0.01). ID displayed significant growth from ages 0-3 to 4-7 (18.0 ± 2.4 mm to 20.7 ± 1.9 mm; p = 0.002) and ICD from ages 0-3 to 8-11 (12.0 ± 1.8 mm to 13.5 ± 2.1 mm; p < 0.001), without further significant interval growth. SSP was not seen in patients < 3, but was 100% by ages 8-11. SSTs progressed from conchal/presellar (60% at ages 4-7) to sellar/postsellar (80% at adulthood).

CONCLUSION

The sella and parasellar regions have varied growth patterns with development. Knowledge of the expected maturation of key anterior skull base structures may augment surgical planning in younger patients.

The Shapes and Normal Dimensions of the Sella Turcica

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the normal dimensions and shape of the sella turcica (ST) in the Turkish population using multidetector computed tomography.

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective study included 188 patients who met the study criteria and had paranasal multidetector computed tomography taken between January 2019 and December 2019. The patients included in the study comprised 77 females and 111 males. The whole patient group was separated into 3 age groups of 18 to 25 years (group 1), 25 to 40 years (group 2), and 40 years and over (group 3). They were also separated according to gender.

RESULTS

The mean length of the ST was determined as 8.52 ± 1.42 mm (min-max 4.61-12.73 mm), mean height as 7.00 ± 1.31 mm (min-max 3.00-10.51 mm), mean aperture as 6.50 ± 2.00 mm (min-max 2.24-12.51 mm), and mean width as 11.01 ± 1.50 mm (min-max 7.78-14.94 mm). No statistically significant difference was determined between the length, height, width, and aperture size values of the ST according to gender and age groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrated no significant difference in ST dimensions according to gender or age groups. It can be considered that the shape and dimensions of the ST can be more accurately evaluated with computed tomography and classification can be more robustly applied.

Evaluation of Sella Turcica Bridging and Morphology in Different Types of Cleft Patients

Objectives

To evaluate sella turcica (ST) bridging, associated anomalies, and morphology, in subjects with four different types of clefts, and compare them with non-cleft (NC) subjects.

Materials and Methods

A total of 123 (31 NC and 92 cleft) Saudi subjects who had their lateral cephalogram (Late. Ceph.), orthopantomogram (OPG), and clinical details for ordinary diagnosis were included in the study. Among 92 cleft subjects, 29 had bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), 41 had unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), nine had unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (UCLA), and 13 with unilateral cleft lip (UCL). ST bridging and seven parameters related to ST morphology and skeletal malocclusion were analyzed using Late. Ceph. Associated dental anomalies in ST bridging subjects were investigated using OPG. The images were investigated using artificial intelligence driven Webceph software. Multiple statistical tests were applied to see the differences between gender and among cleft vs NC subjects.

Results

ST bridging was found to be higher in cleft subjects (22.82%). Most of the cleft subjects had severe skeletal Class III malocclusion associated with multiple types of dental anomalies (impacted canines, congenital missing, and presence of supernumerary teeth). No significant gender disparities in all seven parameters of ST morphology were found between NC and cleft groups. However, there were significant differences when compared among four different types of cleft individuals vs NC subjects.

Conclusion

ST bridging is more prevalent in cleft subjects along with Class III malocclusion and associated dental anomalies. ST morphometry differs significantly between cleft vs NC subjects. BCLP exhibits smaller values of all seven parameters as compared to all other groups.

Three-dimensional assessment of the sella turcica: comparison between cleft lip and palate patients and skeletal malocclusion classes

PURPOSE

The main aim of the present study was to investigate the dimensions and morphological appearance of the sella turcica in cleft lip and palate patients using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, compared to non-cleft individuals.

METHODS

CBCT images of 40 (20 females and 20 males) cleft lip and palate patients and 60 (27 males and 33 females) non-cleft individuals were assessed, retrospectively. The linear dimensions (depth, diameter and length) of the sella turcica and inter-clinoid distance were measured. Sella turcica shapes were examined in the cleft lip and palate patients and non-cleft individuals. Non-cleft individuals were divided into skeletal malocclusion classes. All variables were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U tests and Chi-square test.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between individuals with and without cleft in the linear dimensions (depth, diameter and length) of the sella turcica (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was found in the inter-clinoid distance between patients with cleft and non-cleft individuals (p < 0.05). Comparison of the sella turcica shape between skeletal malocclusion classes and patients with cleft showed significant differences (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference was determined in the depth, diameter, or length of the sella turcica in cleft patients when compared with non-cleft individuals. The inter-clinoid distance was lower in cleft patients than in non-cleft individuals, and this difference was statistically significant.

Sella turcica morphometrics in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate

OBJECTIVE

To use morphometric methods to investigate the size and shape of the sella turcica in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

Fifty-six healthy children with non-syndromic UCLP, from a major paediatric teaching hospital, with lateral cephalograms taken prior to alveolar bone grafting, were compared with an age- and sex-matched control group of healthy children without orofacial clefts, with lateral cephalograms taken prior to orthodontic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, conventional measurements were performed on the sella turcica to measure width, height and area on lateral cephalograms. Sella shape was also analysed using 11 points defining the sella turcica contours, using geometric morphometrics. Procrustes superimposition was used to register all sella contour tracings to calculate average sella shape. Principal component analysis was applied to the residuals of the point coordinates, and principal components (PCs) of shape were extracted.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences between the UCLP and control groups were found for sella posterior height, midpoint height, maximum height and area, where all of these were smaller in children with UCLP. Principal component analysis revealed that the first two PCs accounted for 84.7% of total shape variance. There was a statistically significant difference in sella shape between children with UCLP and control children.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with UCLP, the sella turcica is shorter and with a smaller surface area when compared to matched non-cleft children. Moreover, sella turcica shape, when disregarding size, seems to differ to that of non-cleft children.

Assessment of the relationship between size, shape and volume of the sella turcica in class II and III patients prior to orthognathic surgery

PURPOSES

The main purpose of this study was to assess the measurements and shape of the sella turcica by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to associate the data to skeletal class II and class III patients, including correlations with gender, age and measurements of the anterior cranial base.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A trained examiner specialist in dental radiology selected and evaluated randomly 95 CBCT images of pre-orthognathic surgery patients, 60 (63.2%) being female and 35 (36.8%) male with age between 16 and 57 years. All images were evaluated to determine the size, shape and volume of the sella turcica. The anterior cranial base, represented by the S-N line (sella-nasion), was also measured.

RESULTS

Of these 95 patients, 48 (50.5%) had class III facial skeletal pattern, whereas 47 (49.5%) had class II. No statistically significant differences were found between class II and class III patients in the measurements and shape of the sella turcica (P > 0.05). The diameter and volume of the sella turcica had higher values in female patients, whereas the measurements of the anterior cranial base were higher in males (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Therefore, one can conclude that measurements of the sella turcica are not reliable parameters to evaluate whether a class II or class III patient will or will not need orthognathic surgery.

Evaluation of the relationship between impacted canines and three-dimensional sella morphology

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the three-dimensional morphometric features of the sella turcica using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in subjects with unilateral and bilateral maxillary impacted canines and normal controls.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, CBCT images captured with ultra-low dose protocol of 73 subjects (21 males, 52 females; mean age 20.01 ± 6.53 years) with unilateral or bilateral maxillary impacted canines (29 unilateral and 29 bilateral) and 15 controls were evaluated. Nineteen different measurements of the pituitary fossa were made on CBCT images. To evaluate the normality, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used. The nonparametric statistical Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied to analyze the significant differences among and between the groups. Statistical significance was set at 5%.

RESULTS

No measurement differed significantly among the groups (all p > 0.05) other than the right sella length, which differed between the unilateral and bilateral test groups and the unilateral test group and controls (both p < 0.05). The bilateral test group and control group did not differ significantly, but both exhibited greater right sella length than did the unilateral test group (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Other than the right sella length, there were no among-group differences in the mean pituitary fossa measurements of subjects with impacted unilateral and bilateral canines and normally erupted canines. The right sella length was lower in subjects with impacted unilateral canines than in those with bilateral impacted canines and normal controls.

Morphometric Analysis of Sella Turcica Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate morphometric analysis of sella turcica using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and healthy controls.

METHODS

Cone-beam computed tomography images of 68 patients (36 males, 32 females, age range 7-20 years) with CLP and 68 healthy individuals (36 males, 32 females, age range 8-19 years) were examined retrospectively. Sella turcica shapes were analyzed by 2 different methods in CLP and control groups. Length, depth, and diameter of sella turcica were measured in both groups. The data were statistically assessed by age, gender using Independent t-test and one-way analysis.

RESULTS

Diameter of sella turcica was smaller in CLP group compared to healthy individuals (P < .05). Length and depth of sella turcica were lower than in control group, but not statistically significant (P > .05). Sella turcica shape significantly differed between groups (P < .05). The most common sella turcica types were flattened and irregular shapes in CLP group, whereas round and normal shapes were in control group. There was no significant difference between groups in any dimension of sella turcica by gender (P > .05). Sella turcica depth was significantly higher at age of 15 years and above in CLP group.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that flattened and irregular shapes of sella turcica were the most common types in CLP group. Smaller sella turcica was detected in CLP group compared to healthy individuals. Cone-beam computed tomography can be useful for evaluation of sella turcica.

The Relationship between Maxillary Sinus Lateral Wall Thickness, Alveolar Bone Loss, and Demographic Variables: A Cross-Sectional Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography Study

OBJECTIVES

Sinus floor elevation and augmentation surgery is widely used as a reliable procedure to increase insufficient bone height in the posterior maxillary area. The purpose of the present clinical study was to determine the associations between periodontal bone loss (PBL), maxillary sinus lateral bone wall thickness, age, and gender using cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current retrospective study consists of 716 maxillary sinus CBCT images of 358 patients. The CBCT scans were assessed to detect the relationship between lateral wall thickness and PBL. ANOVA and Student t test analysis were used to determine the influence of PBL on sinus lateral wall thickness.

RESULTS

Sinus lateral wall thickness was significantly associated with PBL (p < 0.05) at 3, 13, and 15 mm height. There was no significant association between lateral wall thickness and gender (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant association between lateral wall thickness at 3 and 13 mm and age (p < 0.05). There were significant associations between PBL and age (p < 0.001), and PBL and gender (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PBL might have an association with maxillary sinus lateral bone wall thickness. Further studies are needed to confirm this possible relationship.