The aim of this study was to develop and investigate techniques for st
abilising and reconstruction of defects in the larynx similar to osteo
synthesis. Material and methods: (1) 400 extrusion forces of sutures a
nd various screws (Howmedica(R)) in thyroid cartilage of fresh cadaver
s were measured. (2) A new screw specially designed for cartilage was
developed. (3) A new technique for stabilising cartilage with a screw
nut made out of bone was developed. Results: The extrusion forces corr
elate with the calcification of the laryngeal skeleton depending on th
e investigated area of the thyroid cartilage and the type of suture an
d screws that are used, respectively. Besides the increased extrusion
forces the advantages of chondrosynthesis are the possibility of axial
stabilisation and of exact bridging of defects with or without implan
ts.