Age-related Change of the Dimensions of the Cricoid Cartilage in Adults

Abstract

Objectives: To measure the dimensions of the cricoid cartilage in adults and to investigate the age-related change of the dimensions of the cricoid cartilage. Methods: After performing the multiplanar reconstruction and correcting the slant of the cervical computed tomography scans, the transverse and anteroposterior internal diameters of the inlet (TD-in and APD-in) and outlet (TD-out and APD-out) of the cricoid cartilage were measured, respectively. The angle between the arch and lamina of the cricoid cartilage in the middle sagittal plane was measured. The ratios of transverse to anteroposterior diameter for the inlet (Ratio-in) and outlet (Ratio-out) of the cricoid cartilage were calculated, respectively. Results: A total of 1200 adults were included in this study, with 600 males and 600 females. The TD-in is the smallest cricoid diameter and the APD-in is the largest cricoid diameter. The mean cricoid diameters and the cricoid angle in males were larger than those in females. The cricoid inlet is oval shaped and the cricoid cartilage is “funnel-shaped” in the middle sagittal plane. The shape of the outlet of the cricoid cartilage varies greatly among individuals. In males, the APD-in and APD-out were negatively correlated with age while the Ratio-in and Ratio-out was positively correlated with age. In females, the APD-out were negatively correlated with age while the Ratio-out was negatively correlated with age. Conclusions: The dimensions of the cricoid cartilage change as age advances in adult population and the sexual dimorphism of the cricoid outlet occurs after 50 years old.