An evaluation of the carrying angle of the elbow joint in adolescents

Abstract

Background: The acute angle produced medially when the axis of the forearm deviates laterally from the long axis of the humerus, with the arm extended and the palm facing forward, is referred to as the carrying angle. Variations in the angle have clinical as well as pathological significance.
Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the elbow carrying angle in normal adolescents of South India and also analyze the data statistically to find out any significant difference in the angle between the different groups of subjects within the study population.
Methods: 60 adolescents with ages varying from 17 to 20 years were evaluated. Carrying angles formed by the long axis of the humerus and ulna, were measured.
Results: The result of the study showed that the average carrying angle was 13.6 degrees for females and 6.7 degrees for males. The length of the forearm and the carrying angle showed significant relation.
Conclusion: The result of the study could be useful in the management of elbow displacement, fractures, epicondylar disease and surgical planning for elbow reconstruction.

Key words: Carrying angle, elbow joint, adolescent, forearm, humerus, ulna