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An external landmark for the anterior commissure
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|July 13, 1999
Summary
A specific landmark on the thyroid cartilage reliably indicates the position of the true vocal cords. This finding aids surgeons in laryngeal procedures requiring precise thyroid cartilage cuts.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Laryngology
- Surgical Landmarks
Background:
- Accurate identification of the true vocal cords is essential for successful laryngeal surgery.
- External landmarks on the thyroid cartilage can aid in predicting vocal cord position.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability of a specific external landmark on the thyroid cartilage for predicting the level of the true vocal cords.
Main Methods:
- Examination of 24 cadaver larynges.
- Placement of a pin through a diamond-shaped landmark on the anterior midline of the thyroid cartilage.
- Verification of the pin's endolaryngeal position using a flexible nasopharyngoscope.
Main Results:
- In all 24 specimens, the pin accurately entered the larynx at or just above the level of the true vocal cords.
- The landmark consistently guided the pin to the anterior commissure.
Conclusions:
- The identified external landmark reliably predicts the location of the true vocal cords.
- This landmark is a valuable tool for guiding thyroid cartilage incisions in laryngeal surgery.