Osteoarthritis in cricoarytenoid joint

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Pathology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects limb joints in individuals over 40.
• The human cricoarytenoid joint, crucial for laryngeal function, shares similarities with limb joints.
• Little is known about the prevalence and characteristics of OA in the cricoarytenoid joint.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the occurrence and histological features of osteoarthritis in the human cricoarytenoid joint.
• To compare degenerative changes in the cricoarytenoid joint with those found in limb joints.

Main Methods:

• Histology, lectin histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy were used.
• Sixty-eight cricoarytenoid joints from individuals aged 25-98 years were analyzed.
• Analysis focused on articular cartilage structure, collagen, proteoglycans, and chondrocyte morphology.

Main Results:

• Approximately 50% of cricoarytenoid joints in individuals over 40 exhibited degenerative changes.
• Fibrillation, fissures, collagen changes, and proteoglycan loss were observed in the articular cartilage.
• Chondrocyte clusters and altered lectin distribution patterns were noted, with positive staining for type VI collagen.

Conclusions:

• Degenerative joint alterations resembling osteoarthritis occur in the human cricoarytenoid joint.
• These changes are comparable to osteoarthritis in limb joints.
• Cricoarytenoid joint osteoarthritis may impair arytenoid cartilage movement, negatively affecting vocal quality and intensity.