Cricopharyngeal Distance in Children
I cannot provide a definitive answer to this question because the provided evidence does not contain any data on cricopharyngeal distance measurements in children. The term "cricopharynx distance" or "cricopharyngeal distance" does not appear in any of the referenced studies or guidelines.
What the Evidence Actually Addresses
The available literature focuses on different anatomical measurements:
Laryngeal Dimensions (Not Cricopharyngeal Distance)
The cricoid cartilage dimensions have been studied extensively, showing that the pediatric airway is more cylindrical than historically believed, with the glottis (vocal cord level) being the narrowest point rather than the cricoid 1, 2.
In sedated, unparalyzed children aged 2 months to 13 years, the narrowest portions of the larynx are the glottic opening and immediate sub-vocal cord level, with transverse dimensions increasing linearly in a caudad direction through the larynx 1.
The mean cricoid cross-sectional area (C-CSA) is larger than the glottic cross-sectional area (G-CSA) throughout childhood starting from 6 months of age (48.9 ± 15.5 mm² vs 30 ± 16.5 mm², respectively) 2.
Critical Knowledge Gap
There is considerable variation and heterogeneity in pediatric airway dimension data, making it impossible to compile standard reference values 3.
The cricopharyngeal muscle (upper esophageal sphincter) is anatomically distinct from the cricoid cartilage, and measurements of the distance between these structures or related pharyngeal dimensions are not documented in the available evidence.
Clinical Implication
If you are seeking information about cricothyroid membrane dimensions for emergency airway access, the French guidelines note that all cricothyroid approaches carry major risk of failure and complications, and catheter-based cricothyrotomy is not recommended in children less than 8 years old 4.