The Zuckerkandl tubercle is more than a mere anatomical variant; it is a constant and reliable landmark in thyroid surgery. Its identification is crucial for the safe dissection of the thyroid lobe, preventing injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, and preserving the parathyroid glands. For the endocrine surgeon, the axiom remains: "Find the Zuckerkandl tubercle, and you will find the nerve."
The RLN is the nerve that controls your vocal cords. Damaging it during thyroid surgery leads to hoarseness or loss of voice. Because the tubercle projects posteriorly, the RLN almost always loops medial to it or runs directly in a groove on its surface. zuckerkandl tubercle