Pitch synchronous changes of the anterior cricothyroid gap by using ultrasonography

The purpose of this study was to describe changes of the anterior cricothyroid space during respiration and phonation by using ultrasonography. Furthermore, to assess and correlate laryngeal dimensions in a large cohort of voice healthy men.

Epidemiological study.

Ultrasound examinations of the laryngeal skeleton, as well as of the cricothyroid space were performed in 64 voice healthy, elderly male subjects. This was done during respiration, phonation in midrange, and high phonation.

We could not find any significant correlation concerning lengths of the cricothyroid space when correlated with voice range, highest or lowest frequency. General anthropometric parameters such as body height, weight, or body mass index did not show any considerable correlation with dimensions of the laryngeal skeleton.

Functionally orientated surgery of the larynx requires exact knowledge of the anatomy and landmarks of the laryngeal skeleton. Topographic relations and dimensions between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages play an important role in cricoid approximation.