title: The functional anatomy of the cricothyroid joint.
abstract: Postoperative long-term treatment problems of male-to-female transsexuals can be caused by the underestimated mobility of the cricothyroid joint. One hundred cadaveric larynges were analysed to reveal the morphological and functional anatomy of the CTJ focusing on possible horizontal and vertical gliding movements. Furthermore, the distance of the cricothyroid space for rotational movements was measured. The articular surface of the cricothyroid joint showed three different possibilities: a well-defined facet (Type 1 61%), no definable facet (Type 2 22%) or a flat surface with or without a tiny protuberance (Type 3 17%). Side different statements and intraindividual differences between male and female specimens were included. These different types affect horizontal and vertical gliding movements, besides rotational movements. The mobility between Type 1 and the others was highly significant (P < 0.001). Regarding different motions in the cricothyroid joint, rotational movements caused significant elongation of the vocal folds, which should be taken into consideration for phonosurgical methods.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Anatomy, Medical University Graz, Harrachgasse 21, 8010, Graz, Austria. gunther.windisch@meduni-graz.at
authors.forename: Gunther
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Windisch
authors.forename: Georg Philipp
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Hammer
authors.forename: Peter Michael
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Prodinger
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Friedrich
authors.forename: Friedrich
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Anderhuber
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013957:Thyroid Cartilage / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology