Summary
Objectives
To visualize the cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ) cavity of the human cadaver and to correlate
its appearance to the CAJ capsule.
Study Design
Prospective.
Methods
A total of 26 cadavers were used for microcomputed tomography arthrography, histology,
and epoxy sheet plastination examinations.
Results
(1) The dimension of the CAJ cavity was much larger than the articular surfaces; (2)
The posterior capsule of the CAJ was significantly strengthened, contained rich elastin
fibers, and shared a common attachment with the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle; (3)
The arytenoid cartilage was distanced from the cricoid cartilage at the superomedial
aspect of the CAJ.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that the posterior fibrous capsule is the primary passive
stabilizer of the CAJ and suggests that in addition to the gliding, rucking, and rotation,
a visor-like jumping of the arytenoid cartilage on the cricoid cartilage may provide
further adjustments in motions of the vocal fold. The finding of this study has implications
for the biomechanics of the CAJ motion; the differential diagnosis of CAJ disorders,
such as CAJ dislocation and subluxation; and surgical correction of the CAJ dysfunction.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 30, 2013
Accepted:
May 22,
2013
Footnotes
Financial Disclosures: None.
Conflicts of Interest: None.
Level of Evidence: H/A.
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
