Unilateral and bilateral agenesis of the upper thyroid horns — A morphometric analysis of the larynx

Surgical Implications of Superior Thyroid Cornu Agenesis in Laryngeal Malignancy

“…To our knowledge, this is the first report of unilateral STC agenesis in a patient with laryngeal malignancy. Previous studies have reported STC agenesis in cadaveric or forensic studies in patients with an otherwise normal larynx, with most anatomical variations occurring in males as seen in our case ( 3 , 4 ). It is unlikely that this varied anatomy causes any functional consequence of the larynx.…”

“…There is otherwise usually no symptomatology that warrants further investigation in such findings. In addition, a morphometric study analyzing 49 larynxes found no structural imbalance or any difference in fracture risk between normal larynxes and those with STC unilateral agenesis ( 4 ). The relevance of abnormalities in the laryngeal framework or hyoid generally bodes significance in the forensic or medicolegal context of laryngeal trauma (accidents, violence, suicide, or iatrogenic).…”

“…Posterior deviation is less commonly reported and has the potential to cause unilateral neck pain radiating to the ear, and even compression of the common carotid artery ( 2 ). Other reported variations include shortening, asymmetry, and agenesis (unilateral or bilateral) of the STC, although clinical implications of these in terms of patient symptoms are less well established ( 3 , 4 ). We present a case and the discussion of superior cornu agenesis in the context of laryngeal malignancy.…”

Anthropological analysis of trauma in throat bone and cartilage: A review

“…Thyroid cartilage measurements exhibit sex differences [ 27 , 28 ] and an association with living stature [ 29 , 30 ]. Anatomical variation can include unilateral and bilateral agenesis of the upper thyroid horns [ 31 , 32 ]. Morphometric research has revealed significant age changes in adults [ 33 ].…”