Osteoarthritis in cricoarytenoid joint

Objective: Occurrence of osteoarthritis is a frequent event of limb joints in people over 40 years of age. The human cricoarytenoid joint is comparabl e with the joints of the limbs despite its structure and extracellular matr ix composition. To date, little is known about the occurrence of osteoarthr itis in the human cricoarytenoid joint. Methods: Sixty-eight cricoarytenoid joints (42 male and 26 female, age 25-9 8 years) were analysed by means of histology, lectin histochemistry, immuno histochemistry as well as scanning and transmission electron miroscopy. Results: About 50% of the investigated cricoarytenoid joints aged over 40 y ears show degenerative changes in their joint surface structure at varying levels of intensity. The articular cartilage surface is fibrillated in some places and sometimes shows fissures. A demascing of collagen fibrils next to the joint surface and a loss of proteoglycans in the upper cartilage lay ers can be observed. Chondrocytes near the joint surface appear as volumino us chondrocyte clusters. The clusters and the superficial cartilage layer s how a positive reaction to type VI collagen antibodies. The distribution pa tterns of lectins are completely changed in fibrillated cartilage areas. Conclusion: Degenerative alterations in diarthrodial joints resembling oste oarthritis can occur in the joints of the larynx. These structural changes of the articular cartilage are comparable to osteoarthritis of the limb joi nts. Osteoarthritis in the cricoarytenoid joint may lead to impaired moveme nts of the arytenoid cartilages. Functionally the structural changes may le ad to negative consequences during vocal production, such as impaired vocal quality and reduced vocal intensity. (C) 1999 Osteo Arthritis Research Soc iety International.