Traube's space: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description| | {{Short description|Anatomical area of the human thorax}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | ||
'''Traube's space''' is a semilunar | '''Traube's space''' is an anatomical region of the human thorax, named after the German physician Ludwig Traube. It is a semilunar space located on the left side of the body, beneath the rib cage. This area is clinically significant as it is used in the physical examination of the abdomen to assess for [[splenomegaly]] and other conditions. | ||
==Anatomy== | ==Anatomy== | ||
Traube's space | Traube's space is bounded by the following anatomical landmarks: | ||
* Superiorly by the sixth rib. | |||
* Inferiorly by the left costal margin. | |||
* Laterally by the anterior axillary line. | |||
* Medially by the left border of the [[sternum]]. | |||
The space is overlaid by the [[stomach]] and the [[spleen]], and it is normally tympanic on percussion due to the presence of the gastric bubble. | |||
== | ==Clinical Significance== | ||
* [[ | Traube's space is an important area for clinicians to examine when assessing for [[splenomegaly]], which is the enlargement of the spleen. During a physical examination, the physician will percuss the area to determine the presence of dullness. Normally, Traube's space is tympanic due to the underlying stomach. However, if the spleen is enlarged, it may extend into this space, causing dullness on percussion. | ||
* [[ | |||
* [[ | ===Percussion Technique=== | ||
To percuss Traube's space, the patient is usually positioned supine. The examiner taps the area gently, listening for changes in sound: | |||
* '''Tympanic sound''': Indicates the presence of air in the stomach, which is normal. | |||
* '''Dull sound''': May suggest splenomegaly or other pathological conditions such as a pleural effusion or a mass. | |||
==Associated Conditions== | |||
Several conditions can affect the findings in Traube's space: | |||
* '''[[Splenomegaly]]''': Enlargement of the spleen, often due to conditions such as [[infectious mononucleosis]], [[cirrhosis]], or [[hematological disorders]]. | |||
* '''[[Pleural effusion]]''': Accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, which can cause dullness in Traube's space. | |||
* '''[[Gastric distension]]''': Excessive air or fluid in the stomach can alter the percussion note. | |||
== | ==Images== | ||
[[File:Traube's space diagram.png|thumb|right|Diagram showing the location of Traube's space.]] | |||
File: | |||
[[File:Percussion of Traube's space.png|thumb|left|Illustration of percussion technique used to assess Traube's space.]] | |||
[[ | ==Related Pages== | ||
[[ | * [[Spleen]] | ||
* [[Percussion (medicine)]] | |||
* [[Abdominal examination]] | |||
* [[Ludwig Traube]] | |||
[[Category:Anatomy of the thorax]] | |||
[[Category:Medical examination]] | |||
Revision as of 17:42, 18 February 2025
Anatomical area of the human thorax
Traube's space is an anatomical region of the human thorax, named after the German physician Ludwig Traube. It is a semilunar space located on the left side of the body, beneath the rib cage. This area is clinically significant as it is used in the physical examination of the abdomen to assess for splenomegaly and other conditions.
Anatomy
Traube's space is bounded by the following anatomical landmarks:
- Superiorly by the sixth rib.
- Inferiorly by the left costal margin.
- Laterally by the anterior axillary line.
- Medially by the left border of the sternum.
The space is overlaid by the stomach and the spleen, and it is normally tympanic on percussion due to the presence of the gastric bubble.
Clinical Significance
Traube's space is an important area for clinicians to examine when assessing for splenomegaly, which is the enlargement of the spleen. During a physical examination, the physician will percuss the area to determine the presence of dullness. Normally, Traube's space is tympanic due to the underlying stomach. However, if the spleen is enlarged, it may extend into this space, causing dullness on percussion.
Percussion Technique
To percuss Traube's space, the patient is usually positioned supine. The examiner taps the area gently, listening for changes in sound:
- Tympanic sound: Indicates the presence of air in the stomach, which is normal.
- Dull sound: May suggest splenomegaly or other pathological conditions such as a pleural effusion or a mass.
Associated Conditions
Several conditions can affect the findings in Traube's space:
- Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen, often due to conditions such as infectious mononucleosis, cirrhosis, or hematological disorders.
- Pleural effusion: Accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, which can cause dullness in Traube's space.
- Gastric distension: Excessive air or fluid in the stomach can alter the percussion note.
