Traube's space: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:22, 21 February 2025

Anatomical region of the human body

Traube's space is an anatomical region of the human body, located on the left side of the lower chest. It is named after the German physician Ludwig Traube. This space is clinically significant as it is used in the physical examination of the spleen.

Anatomy[edit]

Traube's space is a semilunar region on the left side of the thorax. It is bounded by the following anatomical landmarks:

Superiorly by the sixth rib
Inferiorly by the costal margin
Laterally by the mid-axillary line

The space is located over the fundus of the stomach and the anterior border of the spleen.

Clinical significance[edit]

Traube's space is used in the clinical examination to assess for splenomegaly, which is the enlargement of the spleen. Normally, this space is tympanic on percussion due to the presence of the stomach. However, if the spleen is enlarged, it may extend into Traube's space, causing dullness on percussion.

Percussion[edit]

Percussion of Traube's space is performed by tapping the area with the fingers and listening for changes in sound. A tympanic sound indicates that the stomach is present beneath the space, while a dull sound may suggest splenic enlargement or other pathological conditions such as pleural effusion or gastric distension.

Related pages[edit]

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-{{Short description|Anatomical area of the human thorax}}
+{{Short description|Anatomical region of the human body}}
 {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-'''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.
+'''Traube's space''' is an anatomical region of the human body, located on the left side of the lower chest. It is named after the German physician Ludwig Traube. This space is clinically significant as it is used in the physical examination of the spleen.
 ==Anatomy==
-Traube's space is bounded by the following anatomical landmarks:
+[[File:Gray1220.png|thumb|right|Diagram showing Traube's space.]]
+Traube's space is a semilunar region on the left side of the thorax. It is bounded by the following anatomical landmarks:
-* Superiorly by the sixth rib.
+* Superiorly by the [[sixth rib]]
-* Inferiorly by the left costal margin.
+* Inferiorly by the [[costal margin]]
-* Laterally by the anterior axillary line.
+* Laterally by the [[mid-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.
+The space is located over the fundus of the [[stomach]] and the anterior border of the [[spleen]].
-==Clinical Significance==
+==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.
+Traube's space is used in the clinical examination to assess for [[splenomegaly]], which is the enlargement of the spleen. Normally, this space is tympanic on percussion due to the presence of the stomach. However, if the spleen is enlarged, it may extend into Traube's space, causing dullness on percussion.
-===Percussion Technique===
+===Percussion===
-To percuss Traube's space, the patient is usually positioned supine. The examiner taps the area gently, listening for changes in sound:
+Percussion of Traube's space is performed by tapping the area with the fingers and listening for changes in sound. A tympanic sound indicates that the stomach is present beneath the space, while a dull sound may suggest splenic enlargement or other pathological conditions such as [[pleural effusion]] or [[gastric distension]].
-* '''Tympanic sound''': Indicates the presence of air in the stomach, which is normal.
+==Related pages==
-* '''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:Percussion of Traube's space.png|thumb|left|Illustration of percussion technique used to assess Traube's space.]]
-==Related Pages==
 * [[Spleen]]
+* [[Splenomegaly]]
 * [[Percussion (medicine)]]
-* [[Abdominal examination]]
 * [[Ludwig Traube]]
-[[Category:Anatomy of the thorax]]
+[[Category:Anatomy]]
-[[Category:Medical examination]]
+[[Category:Medical signs]]