EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL-EVALUATION OF LARYNGEAL CHONDROSYNTHESIS

The aim of this study was to investigate and develop techniques for st abilization and reconstruction of laryngeal defects with a method simi lar to osteosynthesis. In an anatomical study, 400 extrusion forces of sutures and various screws (Howmedica) were measured in the thyroid c artilage of fresh cadavers. A new screw was then especially designed f or cartilage and a new technique was developed for stabilizing cartila ge, using a screw-nut made out of bone. To date, 30 patients have unde rgone chondrosynthetic reconstruction of the larynx. Measurements of e xtrusion forces were found to depend on the degree of calcification pr esent in the area of the laryngeal skeleton examined and the type of f ixation device used. Good clinical results were achieved in all 30 pat ients studied and depended on stabilization of the two sides of the th yroid cartilage after thyrotomies, bridging of laryngeal defects and s plinting of laryngeal fractures. Besides the increased extrusion force s the advantages of chondrosynthesis lay within the possibilities of a xial stabilization and exact bridging of defects with or without impla nts.