Traube's space

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

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
• 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

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

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

• Spleen
• Splenomegaly
• Percussion (medicine)
• Ludwig Traube