Fig 4 - uploaded by Devendra Jadav
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Lateral view of X-ray of thyroid and cricoid cartilage of a 27-year-old male showing calcification in the different regions of thyroid and cricoid cartilages bilaterally PB1 = upper half of posterior one third, PA2 = lower half of posterior one third, IA1 = Inferior cornu, MD2 = lower half of middle one third, CS = superior half of the lamina, CP = posterior section of the arch.
Source publication
Forensic age estimation is an invaluable aspect of human identification. Out of these many means of age estimation, few regions with untapped potential for assistance in forensic age estimation are the age-related changes in the laryngeal cartilages. As the age advances, the thyroid and cricoid cartilages undergo gradual calcification in an individ...
Citations
In South Korea, the elderly population is rapidly growing, projected to reach 20.6% by 2025. With increased social engagement among older individuals, the demand for voice-related interventions rises. Age-related changes in these structures impact vocal function and quality. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these changes is crucial for developing effective therapeutic approaches. The aging of the larynx occurs in each part of the cartilage, muscles, and vocal folds. The change in cartilage is most prominently characterized by ossification, which begins in the twenties and accelerates significantly after the age of 60. This ossification is particularly evident in the thyroid and cricoid cartilages. Muscle aging is characterized by a decrease in muscle fiber diameter, a reduction in gender differences, an increase in the proportion of type I muscle fibers, along with a decrease in myocyte function and the deposition of extracellular matrix and adipocytes. In the vocal folds, collagen increases, while type III collagen, which is involved in healing, decreases. Additionally, collagen production and breakdown decrease, as well as hyaluronic acid levels and factors involved in mucosal vibration, such as surface elastic fibers.
Purpose : Ossification of the laryngeal cartilage has been investigated, including the pattern of ossification, age-related changes, and sex differences. This study aimed to examine the beginning, the processes, and sex differences of ossification of the laryngeal cartilage in Japanese patients using ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (UHRCT).
Materials and methods : A total of 47 cases were included in the present study (male, n=34 ; female, n=13). UHRCT was performed, and ossification of the laryngeal cartilage was visualized in three-dimensional (3D) images. Reconstructed images were evaluated the degree and process of ossification of laryngeal cartilage was compared between males and females in various age groups.
Results : In both sexes, ossification of the thyroid cartilage started at less than 20 years of age. The pattern of thyroid cartilage began in the inferior horn, and spread upward in the superior horn and extended toward the midline along the inferior borders, ending at the lamina. The beginning part in cricoid cartilage was the cricoarytenoid joints, and that in arytenoid was muscular processes. On UHRCT, ossification of the laryngeal cartilage characteristically showed a “figure 8 of thyroid laminae” sign that was constructed by the paramedian bar and two rounded non-ossified areas.
Conclusion : Ossification of the thyroid cartilage began at <20 years of age. The degree of ossification of the thyroid cartilage will increase with age ; however, the degree and frequency of the ossification in males greater in comparison to females. Three-dimensional images allowed the evaluation of ossification of the laryngeal cartilage.
