Abstract:

Objective To explore what may cause the asymmetry of the cricothyroid joint, particularly its cavity. Methods A total of 38 cadaveric specimens (15 males and 5 females from China; 11 males and 7 females from New Zealand) were used for dissection, micro-computed tomography and histology staining. The cadavers were donated for the purposes of teaching and research under the Human Tissues Act. Results The results confirmed that the bilateral cricothyroid joints of a cadaver were asymmetric. The asymmetry existed not only on the articular surfaces, but also the capsules and cavities between the bilateral joints and within the joint. An angle between the inferior corner of the thyroid cartilarge and the lateral surface of the cricoid cartilarge, named as the C-T angle in this study, was measured and compared in this study. None of the C-T angles of the bilateral cricothyroid joints of a specimen was symmetric. Conclusions The asymmetry of the bilateral cricothyroid joint, particularly its cavity, may be determined by the asymmetry of the C-T angles of the bilateral joints. The C-T angle can be detected by the routine medical imaging methods, thus the angle may be used to evaluate the asymmetry of the cricothyroid joint.

Key words: Cricothyroid joint, Cricothyroid angle, Articular cavity, Asymmetry, Micro-computed tomography, Human