Traube's space

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.

Images

File:Traube's space diagram.png

Diagram showing the location of Traube's space.

File:Percussion of Traube's space.png

Illustration of percussion technique used to assess Traube's space.

Related Pages

• Spleen
• Percussion (medicine)
• Abdominal examination
• Ludwig Traube