The Ligament of Treitz: The Hidden Guardian That Could Save Your Life After a Strangulating Nerve Injury!

Tue, 05 May 2026 08:47:58 +0000

The Ligament of Treitz: The Hidden Guardian That Could Save Your Life After a Strangulating Nerve Injury When a strangulating nerve injury occurs, time is critical. While much attention focuses on major blood vessels and spinal cord damage, the often-overlooked Ligament of Treitz plays a vital yet hidden role in protecting nerve pathways in the neck. This often-underrated structure acts as a guardian, preserving nerve integrity and supporting survival in acute neurological events. ### What Is the Ligament of Treitz? The Ligament of Treitz, also known as the ligamentum treitzi, is a thin, fibrous band running along the upper part of the duodenum within the retroperitoneal space—just below the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm and near critical neural pathways. Though primarily recognized for anchoring the duodenum, its anatomical position places it strategically near major vascular and nerve structures, including the brachial plexus, vagus nerve, and sympathetic trunks.