The cricoarytenoid (CA) joint is a true diarthrodial joint that can be affected by rheumatoid disease. Its strategic location in the airway anatomy makes its evaluation of clinical importance. Direct fiberoptic laryngoscopy (DFL) and high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) were used to assess the larynx in 32 rheumatoid patients. Abnormalities were seen in 75% of patients at endoscopic examination. HRCT studies showed abnormalities in 72%. Erosion-luxation of the CA joint and surrounding soft-tissue swelling can be demonstrated on HRCT scans. A radiologic grading of the rheumatoid larynx is proposed, stressing that accurate evaluation of the larynx should be part of the diagnostic evaluation of every rheumatoid arthritic patient, given the high frequency of occurrence of rheumatoid laryngitis.

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The evaluation of 10 patients with subluxing and dislocating shoulder is presented. Routine radiography with special views detected the presence of Hill Sachs lesions in seven patients, but was not conclusive for three patients. Soft tissue and bone anomalies were documented by computed arthrography in all 10 patients. Computed arthrography represents a valuable tool in the diagnosis of obscure unstable shoulders.