Intrinsic and extrinsic factors relevant to the morphology of the growing cricoid ring after a combined anterior and posterior cricoid split: an experimental study in rabbits.

The effects of a Rethi procedure upon the cricoid is investigated in young rabbits. An anterior and posterior cricoid split carried out upon the larynx of a young rabbit was demonstrated to result in an enlarged cricoid lumen in the adult stage due to an enhancement of both the anterior and posterior transversal diameter of the ring. These changes are ascribed to a release of interlocked stresses in the cricoid cartilage and the action of the cricopharyngeal and cricothyroid muscle.