Home Body Atlas Ligaments Posterior Cricoarytenoid Ligament
Ligament Neck

Posterior Cricoarytenoid Ligament

ligamentum cricoarytenoideum posterius

The posterior cricoarytenoid ligament connects the posterior surface of the cricoid cartilage to the muscular process of the arytenoid, forming the posterior capsular reinforcement of the cricoarytenoid joint. The cricoarytenoid joint allows the gliding and rotation of the arytenoid that controls vocal cord abduction and adduction.

Region: Neck
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Posterior restraint of the cricoarytenoid joint; limits anterior arytenoid displacement; maintains arytenoid seating on the cricoid facet.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Cricoarytenoid joint fixation from post-intubation injury produces unilateral vocal cord immobility that must be distinguished from recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. The posterior cricoarytenoid ligament becomes fibrosed in joint ankylosis. Laryngoscopy and laryngeal EMG differentiate neurogenic from mechanical cord immobility. Cricoarytenoid joint injection and manipulation under microlaryngoscopy can restore mobility in early fixation.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Cricoarytenoid Joint Ankylosis

Post-intubation fibrosis of the cricoarytenoid joint and posterior ligament producing fixed unilateral cord immobility mimicking RLN palsy, distinguished by preserved EMG activity and cricoarytenoid palpation resistance under laryngoscopy.

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