PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Naylor, C. D.
AU  - McCormack, D. G.
AU  - Sullivan, S. N.
TI  - The midclavicular line: a wandering landmark
DP  - 1987 Jan 01
TA  - Canadian Medical Association Journal
PG  - 48--50
VI  - 136
IP  - 1
4099  - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/136/1/48.short
4100  - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/136/1/48.full
SO  - CMAJ1987 Jan 01; 136
AB  - Although the midclavicular line (MCL) is the usual reference point for clinical assessment of liver size and localization of the cardiac apex beat, we found substantial interobserver variation in locating the MCL. The distance from the midline to the MCL as estimated by 20 clinicians in three subjects varied by up to 10 cm. More variation was found for estimates in the obese subject than for those in the two subjects of normal build (p = 0.004). No difference in variation was found between consultants and house staff. The limitations of the MCL as a reference point are discussed in light of these findings.