CRICOARYTENOID JOINT AS A CONSISTENT ANATOMICAL LANDMARK FOR INTRAOPERATIVE IDENTIFICATION OF THE RECURRENT LARYNGEAL NERVE DURING THYROIDECTOMY: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Introduction: The risk of injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroidectomy is still a point of focus because of its effects on the voice. This is important in the dissection of consistent anatomical landmarks to ensure safety. Objective: To establish the relevance of the cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ) as a reliable landmark of RLN on the surgical bed, as far as correcting a RLN is concerned, during thyroidectomy. Material and Method: The research was a prospective observational study conducted at Al-Tibri medical college and hospital, Isra University Karachi, from July 2024 and December 2024. These patients were assessed on 100 patients who experienced thyroidectomy. The RLN visibility, distance, and trajectory with reference to the CAJ were estimated. The laryngoscopy was used to assess postoperative vocal cord status. Results: CAJ was manifested in 92 per cent of the cases. The RLN was placed at 3.1 to 3.4 mm from the CAJ and exhibited predictable angles. RLN injury incidence was witnessed when the CAJ could not be determined. No permanent injuries were found at the time when the cases were detected by the CAJ. Conclusion: CAJ is a good landmark for safe RLN identification in the thyroidectomy.