Effect of age and prostheses location on rima glottidis area in equine cadaveric larynges.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of horse age and laryngeal prosthesis location on rima glottidis area in cadaveric larynges.

STUDY

DESIGN

Experimental study.

ANIMALS: Cadaveric equine larynges (n = 40).

METHODS

Specimens were grouped by age: group 1, ≤5 years (n = 18); group 2, >5 to ≤10 years (n = 12); group 3, >10 years (n = 10). A cranial prosthesis was placed through the dorsal cricoid spine at 70% of the distance of the total cricoid length measured from the caudal rim. A dorsal prosthesis was placed through the caudal rim of the cricoid on the dorsal midline. A lateral prosthesis was placed 1.5 cm lateral to the dorsal prosthesis. All prostheses passed through the muscular process. Rima glottidis area was determined after progressively tightening each suture in 5 N increments from 0 N to 35 N using a tensiometer.

RESULTS

There was no significant effect of age on the area of the rima glottidis at any load for any of the three prosthesis locations.

CONCLUSIONS

Age did not affect the area of the rima glottidis when prostheses were loaded between 5 N and 35 N.