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Zuckerkandl Tubercle: An Important Landmark in Thyroid Surgery
Zahid Mehmood1, Usman Khan1, Iram Bokhari1
1Department of Surgery, Ward 3, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi.
Summary
The Zuckerkandl tubercle (ZT) appears in 62% of patients undergoing goiter surgery. The recurrent laryngeal nerve is most often found medial to the ZT.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Surgical anatomy
- Thyroid surgery
Background:
- The Zuckerkandl tubercle (ZT) is an anatomical landmark in the thyroid gland.
- Understanding the ZT's frequency and its relationship with the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is crucial for thyroid surgery safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of the Zuckerkandl tubercle (ZT).
- To investigate the anatomical position of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) relative to the ZT.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational study was conducted.
- 84 patients with goiter, aged 12-60 years, were included.
- Surgical identification of ZT and RLN position (medial, lateral, or posterior) was performed.
Main Results:
- The Zuckerkandl tubercle (ZT) was identified in 52 (61.90%) patients.
- The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) was located medial to the ZT in 63.4% of cases.
- The RLN was found lateral to the ZT in 28.8% and posterior in 7.6%.
Conclusions:
- The Zuckerkandl tubercle (ZT) is a common anatomical finding, present in approximately 62% of individuals.
- The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is predominantly situated medial to the ZT, a key consideration during thyroidectomies.
