Novel Anatomic Characteristics of the Laryngeal Framework: A Computed Tomography Evaluation

Objective

The thyroid cartilage (TC) in men has a more prominent thyroid notch and a narrower interlaminae angle (ILA) as compared with women. Anatomy textbooks classically stipulate that the ILA is 90° in men and 120° in women. Our observation, based on thyroid chondroplasty operations, of a much narrower angle led to the current investigation.

Study Design

Cohort imaging study.

Setting

Tertiary academic referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Computed tomography angiography neck images of adult patients were studied. The ILA was measured on 2 axial planes: at the level of the vocal processes (and the upper portion of thyroarytenoid muscles) and 5 mm superior and parallel to the former. The anterior projection of the TC and the vertical dimensions of the midline cricothyroid membrane (CTM) were also measured.

Results

A total of 126 patients were included in the study. The average ILAs were 63.5°±20.6° and 93.3°±16.6° for men and women, respectively (P < 10^–14), and were significantly narrower at the upper level in comparison with the vocal process level (P < 10^–7 for men, P = .004 for women). The anterior projection of the TC in men was more prominent as compared with women (P = .0003) and significantly correlated with the ILA (P = .0159). The length of the midline CTM was 11.1±2.3 mm in men and 10.3±1.7 mm in women (P = .0355).

Conclusions

The ILA is narrower than that reported in the classic anatomy textbooks. In male patients, the upper part of the TC becomes narrower and projects anteriorly like a "jug's spout." The mean vertical dimension of the midline CTM was 10 to 11 mm.

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