Normal paediatric liver boundaries.
The upper border of the liver (relative turbinate border) is at the junction of the right midclavicular line and the fourth intercostal space until 3 years of age, and then gradually moves down to the junction of the right midclavicular line and the fifth intercostal space with increasing age.
Inferior border of the rib margin of the liver, normal child.
Up to 1 year of age, the liver may be palpated at a position 1 to 3 cm below the right midclavicular line and the right costal margin.
Up to 3 years of age most can be palpated 1 to 2 cm below the right costal margin.
After 4 years of age, it is mostly above the rib cage and not easily palpable within the rib arch; only a few can be palpated within 1 cm.
Over 7 years of age the vast majority cannot be palpated.