Prediction of Stature to Discriminate Chest X-Ray Using Longitudinal Scapular and Clavicular Lengths

Aim: In clinical examinations, it is sometimes unknown whether the chest X-ray belongs to the patient. Here, we aimed to develop estimation equations that can predict the stature of male and female patients using scapular and clavicular length measurements on chest X-rays to determine to who the chest X-ray belongs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 adult patients (104 females and 96 males; mean age 50.6 years) who underwent a routine posteroanterior chest x-ray. The longitudinal scapular length and longitudinal clavicular length were measured on the chest x-ray. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to develop the estimation equations. External validation of the estimated equations was tested on 100 adult patients (50 females and 50 males; mean age 56.7 years) and agreement between measured and estimated stature was investigated by the Bland and Altman method. Results: Stature was equal to 11.1-fold of longitudinal scapular length and 10.5-fold of longitudinal clavicular length in males while it was equal to 11.8-fold of longitudinal scapular length and 10.7-fold of longitudinal clavicular length in females. Stature was found to be significantly correlated with age, weight, longitudinal scapular length, and longitudinal clavicular length in men, and with age and longitudinal clavicular length in women. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed an estimation equation for stature in males was: 131.3 - 0.174 (Age) + 0.161 (Weight) + 0.083 (longitudinal scapular length) + 0.134 (longitudinal clavicular length), and in females was 131.2 - 0.137 (Age) + 0.225 (longitudinal clavicular length). There was good agreement between measured and estimated stature in male and female patients. Conclusion: The stature of the patient can be estimated using the derived equations based on the longitudinal scapular length and longitudinal clavicular length measurements on chest x-ray. If it is not possible to determine to who the chest X-ray belongs in clinical practice, the patient's stature can be estimated with the help of the equations and possible errors can be prevented. Keywords: chest x-ray, clavicle, scapula, estimation techniques, stature