RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The midclavicular line: a wandering landmark
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 48
OP 50
VO 136
IS 1
A1 Naylor, C. D.
A1 McCormack, D. G.
A1 Sullivan, S. N.
YR 1987
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/136/1/48.abstract
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.