Comparative Study of Parathyroid Identification Techniques Using Zuckerkandl's Tubercle Versus Parathyroid Arterial Supply as Intra-Operative Markers.

Thyroid surgeons should be able to identify factors that prevent parathyroid damage. The aim of the study was (i) to compare the effectiveness of using Zuckerkandl's Tubercle (ZT) versus superior thyroid artery (STA) and inferior parathyroid artery (ITA) as markers for identification of superior and inferior parathyroid glands and (ii) to demonstrate a series of detailed, logical and orderly operative steps to identify ZT during thyroidectomy operation. This 1-year prospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Otolaryngology in a tertiary medical institute. Out of 36 cases of thyroidectomy, parathyroid identification in Group A was based on STA and ITA and in Group B was based on ZT. The surgical steps, parathyroid location, preservation and its anatomical relations were noted. The mean age in Group A and Group B was 38.8 years and 44.9 years respectively with 77.4 and 62.5% SPT identified above the intersection of RLN and ITA respectively. On left side 62.5% SPT were  located at 2 o'clock position and 50% at 10 o'clock location in right side. In Group A, 60.7% of IPT glands were related close to ITA while in Group B it was 44.4%. Group B reported a higher rate of successful identification and preservation (93.75%). ZT greatly improved the reliability for localising and preserving the parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy. SPT is usually found to lie cranial to ZT, above the intersection of RLN & ITA and behind RLN whereas IPT is variable and lies below the intersection.