Crico-arytenoid joint obliteration following longterm intubation in the premature infant.

Twin male premature infants suffering from hyaline membrane disease were intubated with Cole endotracheal tubes. One died at 25 weeks of age of cor pulmonale, still intubated. The other died at 32 weeks, six weeks after tracheotomy. Both larynges were serially sectioned and compared to normal. The crico-arytenoid joints were destroyed by inflammatory granulation tissue, and later obliterated by fibrous tissue. The probable pathogenesis and implications are discussed.