Ultrasonographic assessment of cricothyroid membrane height in a Turkish cohort

Abstract

Aims: Cricothyrotomy is a life-saving technique utilized in emergency airway management. This study aimed to assess the variability in the height of the cricothyroid membrane (CTM) based on gender, age, and body-mass index (BMI) across different neck positions, neutral and maximally extended. Methods: The study enrolled healthy volunteers aged 18 years and older. Participant baseline characteristics (age, gender, and BMI) were systematically documented. The height of the CTM was measured using, with the participants’ necks positioned in neutral and extended postures. Associations between CTM height and demographic variables, including sex, age, height, and BMI, were evaluated. Results: The study cohort comprised 296 individuals with a mean age of 41.84±15.76 years, ranging from 18 to 75 years. 30.3% of the participants were between 18 and 29 years old. 175 participants (59.1%) were female. The CTM height was significantly greater in the maximum extension position compared to the neutral position (p<0.001). CTM height in the neutral position was significantly lower in females compared to males (p<0.001). This difference persisted in the maximum extended position, where females also exhibited a lower CTM height than males (p<0.001). Conclusion: The height of the CTM varies significantly based on gender and neck position. These variations have critical implications for performing cricothyrotomy, especially in the Turkish population, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in emergency procedures.

Keywords

• Cricothyroid membrane
• cricothyrotomy
• ultrasound

Ethical Statement

Approval was granted by the Etlik City Hospital Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Ankara, Türkiye) (Date: 06.03.2024, Decision No: 2024-204).

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