Tokat Forensic Medicine Branch Directorate, Forensic Medicine Institute, Tokat, 60100, Turkey.
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, 60100, Turkey.
Surg Radiol Anat. 2024 Jun;46(6):885-890. doi: 10.1007/s00276-024-03375-0. Epub 2024 May 6.
This study aims to determine the presence and morphology of triticeal cartilage (TrC) through autopsy cases and to examine its relationship with age, gender, and height, thus contributing to clinical practices and forensic perspective.
Our study was conducted on a total of 84 autopsy cases between the ages of 20-90 years who came to Tokat Forensic Medicine Institute. The laryngeal region was palpated to determine whether TrC was present. The dimensions of the TrC and the length of the upper horn of thyroid cartilage (UHThC) were measured with precise digital calipers, and its weight was measured with an accurate digital scale.
The presence of TrC was identified in 56% of the autopsy cases examined. The prevalence of TrC was higher in males (61.9%) than in females (23.1%). It was determined to be bilateral in 45% of the cases and unilateral in 11%. TrCs had a cylindrical shape in 68.2%, an oval shape in 25.8%, and a pyramidal shape in 5.8%. The average weight of TrC was 67.93 ± 33.91 mg on the right side and 72.67 ± 32.23 mg on the left. As the individual's height increased, the weight of TrC increased (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a strong positive correlation between the lengths of TrC and UHThC and the individual's height (p < 0.001).
TrC may be confused with UHThC fractures. Therefore, we believe that knowledge of the presence and morphology of TrC will contribute to clinical approaches and forensic cases, especially in relation to the neck region.
本研究旨在通过尸检案例确定并研究三尖瓣软骨（TrC）的存在和形态，探讨其与年龄、性别和身高的关系，为临床实践和法医视角提供参考。
我们的研究共纳入了 84 例年龄在 20-90 岁之间的尸检案例，这些案例均来自托卡特法医研究所。通过触诊喉部来确定是否存在 TrC。使用精确的数字卡尺测量 TrC 的尺寸和甲状软骨上喉结（UHThC）的长度，并使用精确的数字秤测量其重量。
在检查的尸检案例中，有 56%存在 TrC。TrC 的患病率男性（61.9%）高于女性（23.1%）。其中，45%为双侧，11%为单侧。TrC 的形状为圆柱形占 68.2%，椭圆形占 25.8%，金字塔形占 5.8%。右侧 TrC 的平均重量为 67.93±33.91mg，左侧为 72.67±32.23mg。随着个体身高的增加，TrC 的重量也增加（p<0.001）。此外，TrC 和 UHThC 的长度与个体身高之间存在强烈的正相关（p<0.001）。
TrC 可能与 UHThC 骨折相混淆。因此，我们认为了解 TrC 的存在和形态将有助于临床方法和法医案例，特别是与颈部区域相关的案例。
