Anatomical Attributes of Zuckerkandl Tubercle

Abstract

Abstract

Thyroid diseases are different from many other diseases in the relative visibility a small swelling of the thyroid offers to the treating surgeon and the availability of medical and surgical treatments. Thyroidectomy remains the cornerstone of management in many thyroid swellings, yet ridden with many complications like nerve palsies and hypoparathyoidism. Hence, proficient knowledge is required in preserving the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the parathyroid glands in their vulnerable surgical site. An almost certain way to ensure integrity of these structures during surgery is to be aware of anatomical landmarks guiding towards their identification one of which is zuckerkandl tubercle, a less often described structure, arising from posterior margin of thyroid gland.

Methodology

We examined 42 thyroid gland specimen from embalmed cadavers available for study & research purpose in the department of anatomy of our medical college. The incidence, size, shape, laterality of the zuckerkandl tubercle & its relation with recurrent laryngeal nerve as well as parathyroid gland were evaluated and analysed.

Results

Thirty out of the 42 thyroid specimen showed presence of Zuckerkandl tubercle as a irregular lateral projection from the posterior border of thyroid gland. Among them, 17 were on right side while 9 were on left side & 4 of them bilaterally present in the specimens. 12/42(28.5%) of specimen showed superior parathyroid gland close to the location of Zuckerkandl tubercle. 29/31 of the specimen showed ZT pointing at the RLN.

Conclusion

The zuckerkandl tubercle is an anatomical structure whose presence is important for locating recurrent laryngeal nerve & parathyroid glands and preventing injury during thyroidectomy. Knowledge of its variations gained from our study will help in the prevention of inadvertent nerve injuries during thyroidectomy.