Paralysis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Paralysis, including details on treatment, diagnosis, facial paralysis, sleep paralysis.

The Zuckerkandl tubercle.

Gravante G, Delogu D, Rizzello A, Filingeri V

General Surgery Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00043 Ciampino (Roma), Rome, Italy. ggravante@hotmail.com <ggravante@hotmail.com>

Identification and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is a major concern during thyroidectomies. The Zuckerkandl tubercle is an anatomic landmark that can be used for this purpose. It is generally found in 63% to 80% of patients undergoing thyroidectomy and is located between the superior and inferior lobes and points toward the tracheoesophageal groove. It is classified into three grades according to size: I <.5 cm, II .5 to 1 cm, III >1 cm. A grade III tubercle, present in 45% of patients, is sometimes associated with significant pressure symptoms in otherwise small-sized goiters.

Published 19 March 2007 in Am J Surg, 193(4): 484-5.
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