Evaluation of extralaryngeal diameters in senile individuals

The aim of the study was a morphometrical macroscopic evaluation of extralaryngeal diameters in elderly people, according to its usefulness in ORL diagnostic and operational methods. Laryngeal preparations together with surrounding structures were taken from cadavers of both sexes, aged 65 and over, about 24 hours after death. Clinically important extralaryngeal diameters were collected using common morphometrical methods. A few body features were also gathered. Computer statistical methods were used in data assessment including basic statistics and linear correlations between diameters, and between diameters and body features. The data presented in the study may be very helpful in diagnostic methods' evaluation. They may also help in: selection of the appropriate operational tool size, choice of the most appropriate operational technique, preoperative preparations and designing and building virtual models for physicians' training.