Traube's space

A space in the left hypochondrium of the human body

Traube's space is a semilunar region of the left hypochondrium of the human body, defined by the sixth rib superiorly, the left anterior axillary line laterally, and the costal margin inferiorly. It is an important area for clinical examination, particularly in the assessment of splenomegaly.

Anatomy

Traube's space is named after the German physician Ludwig Traube, who described it in the 19th century. The space is located on the left side of the body, overlying the stomach and the fundus of the spleen. It is bounded by the sixth rib superiorly, the left anterior axillary line laterally, and the costal margin inferiorly. The area is typically tympanic on percussion due to the presence of the stomach.

Clinical significance

Percussion of Traube's space is a common clinical technique used to assess the size of the spleen. In a healthy individual, the space is tympanic due to the underlying stomach. However, in cases of splenomegaly, the spleen enlarges and occupies this space, resulting in dullness on percussion. This change in percussion note can help clinicians diagnose conditions such as infectious mononucleosis, cirrhosis, and hematological disorders.

Examination technique

To examine Traube's space, the patient is usually positioned supine. The examiner percusses from the midline of the abdomen laterally towards the left axillary line. A change from tympanic to dull percussion note suggests splenic enlargement. It is important to note that other factors, such as a full stomach or left-sided pleural effusion, can also affect the percussion note.

Related pages

• Spleen
• Splenomegaly
• Percussion (medicine)

Gallery

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  Diagram showing the location of Traube's space.
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  Illustration of the spleen, which can enlarge into Traube's space.