Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41848582›Full record

ArticleOrthopaedic surgery2026

Statistical Shape Modeling of the Clavicle: Morphological Variation, Sex Differences, and Surgical Implications.

Gang Zhang, Ming Hao, Jiaxi Wang, Kun Wang, Mingjin Zhang, Xiuyun Su, Qi Yao

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Orthopaedic surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Gang ZhangDepartment of Joint Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Peking University Ninth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0211-4202
Ming HaoDepartment of Orthopedics, The Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
Jiaxi WangDepartment of Joint Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Peking University Ninth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China.
Kun WangDepartment of Orthopedics, The Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
Mingjin ZhangDepartment of Joint Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Peking University Ninth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China.
Xiuyun SuDepartment of Orthopedics, The Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
Qi YaoDepartment of Joint Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Peking University Ninth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5408-9838

Funding

Beijing Hospital Authority's Ascension Plan DFL20240702
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesClavicle fracture fixation is frequently complicated by implant mismatch and mechanical failure due to the complex and highly variable S-shaped anatomy of the clavicle. Conventional morphometric classification systems rely on subjective assessments of curvature and fail to capture the continuous spectrum of clavicular shape variation, limiting their utility for personalized implant design and preoperative planning. Furthermore, large-scale statistical shape modeling studies focusing on Asian populations remain scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize clavicular morphology in an Asian cohort using statistical shape modeling (SSM), investigate sex- and side-related differences, and evaluate the validity of traditional morphological classification systems.

methodsA retrospective study analyzed 288 clavicles reconstructed from CT scans of 144 adults (94 females, 50 males). Three-dimensional models were segmented in 3D Slicer, aligned, and processed using the Scalismo platform. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to establish the SSM and extract modes of variation (MoV). Morphometric parameters were calculated automatically. Independent t-tests assessed sex and side differences, and clustering analysis was conducted to compare data-driven groupings with traditional three-type classifications.

resultsThe first six MoV explained 82.38% of total variance. PC01 (50.84%) reflected clavicular length and midshaft width; PC02-PC06 represented curvature and rotational variations. Significant sex differences were observed in PC01, PC02, and PC06 (p < 0.05), whereas no side differences were detected. Agglomerative clustering identified two morphological groups with poor concordance with traditional three-type classifications (Adjusted Rand Index≈0), indicating a continuous rather than discrete distribution of clavicular shapes.

conclusionClavicular morphology exhibits sex-dependent but not side-dependent variability. Traditional categorical classifications inadequately capture anatomical diversity. Large-scale SSM provides objective morphometric evidence to guide personalized preoperative planning and improve implant design in clavicle fracture fixation.

Indexed as

ClavicleFractures, BoneModels, StatisticalAdultAgedAsian PeopleFemaleHumansImaging, Three-DimensionalMaleMiddle AgedPrincipal Component AnalysisRetrospective StudiesSex FactorsTomography, X-Ray ComputedYoung Adultclavicleimplant designprincipal component analysisstatistical shape modelthree‐dimensional morphology

Identifiers

PMID41848582
PMCPMC13056480

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.