Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
08:03
Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Clavicle morphometry revisited: a 3-dimensional study with relevance to operative fixation
Abdo Bachoura1, Andrew S Deane, James N Wise
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Elbow Shoulder Research Center, University of Kentucky, 740 South Limestone Street K-412 Kentucky Clinic, Lexington, KY 40536-0284, USA.
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
|May 1, 2012
Summary
This study precisely measured clavicle dimensions using 3D analysis. Clavicle length correlates with its midpoint cortical diameter and medial curvature radius.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic anatomy
- Biomechanical engineering
Background:
- Operative fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures has increased interest in clavicle anatomy.
- Three-dimensional (3D) anatomical studies offer superior detail compared to 2D studies but are infrequent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize clavicle dimensions using 3D analysis.
- To establish correlations between intrinsic clavicle measurements.
Main Methods:
- Digitized 25 skeletonized clavicles using laser scanning.
- Analyzed data with 3D computer software, dividing clavicles into medial, middle, and lateral segments.
- Measured segment lengths, midpoint cortical diameter, curvature angles (axial and coronal planes), and radii of curvature.
Main Results:
- Mean clavicle length was 136.7 mm.
- Mean medial, middle, and lateral segment lengths were 48 mm, 56 mm, and 32.7 mm.
- Mean axial plane angles were 149.5° (medial) and 145.8° (lateral); coronal plane angles were 178.2° (medial) and 174.2° (lateral).
- Mean midpoint cortical diameter was 10.9 mm; mean medial and lateral radii of curvature were 66.4 mm and 33.5 mm.
- Positive correlations found between length and cortical diameter (R² = .355) and length and medial radius of curvature (R² = .184).
Conclusions:
- Standardized 3D measurements accurately characterize clavicle dimensions.
- Clavicle length is significantly correlated with midpoint cortical diameter and medial radius of curvature.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:22Sutures of the Skull
The human skull is composed of several bones that come together to protect the brain and support the structures of the face. The junctions where these bones meet are called sutures.
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...