The functional anatomy of the cricothyroid joint

• Published in: Surgical and radiologic anatomy (English ed.) Vol. 32; no. 2; pp. 135 - 139
• Main Authors: Windisch, Gunther, Hammer, Georg Philipp, Prodinger, Peter Michael, Friedrich, Gerhard, Anderhuber, Friedrich
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Paris Springer-Verlag 01.02.2010; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anatomy; Anatomy & physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Cricoid Cartilage - anatomy & histology; Cricoid Cartilage - physiology; Female; General aspects; Humans; Imaging; Joints; Larynx; Male; Medical sciences; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Original Article; Orthopedics; Radiology; Sex Characteristics; Surgery; Thyroid Cartilage - anatomy & histology; Thyroid Cartilage - physiology; Functional anatomy of the larynx; Larynx-gliding movements; Cricothyroid joint; Osteoarticular system; Medicine; Motion; Treatment; Surgery; Larynx; Anatomy; Joint
• ISSN: 0930-1038; 1279-8517
• DOI: 10.1007/s00276-009-0567-y

Postoperative long-term treatment problems of male-to-female transsexuals can be caused by the underestimated mobility of the cricothyroid joint. One hundred cadaveric larynges were analysed to reveal the morphological and functional anatomy of the CTJ focusing on possible horizontal and vertical gliding movements. Furthermore, the distance of the cricothyroid space for rotational movements was measured. The articular surface of the cricothyroid joint showed three different possibilities: a well-defined facet (Type 1 61%), no definable facet (Type 2 22%) or a flat surface with or without a tiny protuberance (Type 3 17%). Side different statements and intraindividual differences between male and female specimens were included. These different types affect horizontal and vertical gliding movements, besides rotational movements. The mobility between Type 1 and the others was highly significant ( P  < 0.001). Regarding different motions in the cricothyroid joint, rotational movements caused significant elongation of the vocal folds, which should be taken into consideration for phonosurgical methods.