The median cricothyroid ligament is the thickened front part of the cricothyroid membrane (conus elasticus), running vertically in the midline from the arch of the cricoid cartilage to the lower border of the thyroid cartilage. It lies just under the skin and is the structure opened in an emergency cricothyroidotomy.
| Origin | Upper border of the arch of the cricoid cartilage |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Lower border of the thyroid cartilage in the midline |
Joins the cricoid and thyroid cartilages in front and is the site for emergency cricothyroidotomy
The central tendinous band of the cricothyroid membrane is the thickest, most avascular portion and the preferred site for cricothyrotomy incision. It is palpated between the thyroid cartilage notch above and the cricoid arch below. The cricothyroid arteries cross superior to this tendinous band and should be avoided by placing the incision in the lower half of the membrane.
Subglottic stenosis at the cricothyroid tendon incision site from cricothyrotomy placed too superiorly, injuring the vocal cords, requiring endoscopic dilation or laryngotracheal reconstruction.
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