Clinical significance of recognizing Zuckerkandl tubercle during thyroid surgery

Abstract

Objective To study the clinical significance of recognizing Zuckerkandl tubercle (ZT) during thyroid surgery. Methods One hundred and sixty-one patients (218 sides) having underwent thyroid lobectomy or thyroidectomy were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of ZT, the position and size of ZT, and the relationship between ZT and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), superior parathyroid (SP) were observed. Results In 218 sides, 179 sides (82.1%) found ZT, with right side in 93 cases and left side in 86 cases. The main relationship between ZT and RLN was A type, accounting for 90.5% (162/179). There were no statistical differences in ZT grade and the relationship type between ZT and RLN between left side and right side (P >0.05). There was negative correlation in ZT grade and the relationship type between ZT and RLN (r = -0.269, P <0.01). In right side, 92.3% (72/78) of SP located on the top of ZT at 10 -11 o'clock position; in left side, 94.6% (70/74) of SP located on the top of ZT at 1 -2 o'clock position. Conclusions ZT is an important anatomical mark in the thyroid surgery, which helps to identify and protect the RLN and SP, so as to reduce surgical complications. Key words: Thyroidectomy; Recurrent laryngeal nerve; Parathyroid glands; Retrospective studies; Zuckerkandl tubercle