The natural neck crease as an anatomic landmark for thyroid surgery incision.

BACKGROUND:The anatomical relations between the neck skin crease and the thyroid gland isthmus and cricoid cartilage are important for surgical planning. METHODS:Between 2016 and 2018 anatomical measurements were performed on 118 participants during a presurgical ultrasound exam and were verified during surgery. The data were stratified according to age, sex, patient's body mass index (BMI), and height. FINDINGS:The cricoid cartilage was found to be lower than the second skin neck crease by 0.2 ± 0.9 cm on average and the thyroid isthmus lower by 0.9 ± 1 cm from the second neck crease. No correlation was found to subjects' age, BMI, or height. Patient satisfaction, measured by the dermatologic life quality index, was high. CONCLUSIONS:A surgical incision made along the second neck crease will allow for a predicted and proper exposure in thyroid surgeries. The possibility of concealing the surgical scar in the natural neck skin crease can increase patients' aesthetic satisfaction.