Indian J Med Res
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Information on the diameters of the cricoid cartilage in northwest Indian children and adults is scanty. As injury to the mucous membrane of the larynx could occur when an endotracheal tube or a laryngoscope, selected on the basis of western data, is introduced into the larynx of patients. It was, therefore, considered necessary to study the diameters of the cartilage. ⋯ The weight and other measurements of the cricoid cartilage in northwest Indians are smaller than those recorded in the western populations. The tubes of appropriate size should therefore be used for intubation in different age groups particularly in children based on measurements taken in Indians. Use of the western measurements/standards for this purpose is not recommended. In case of a highly decomposed body, the measurements and weight of the cartilage may be useful in gender determination.