Radiographic evaluation of the normal elbow carrying angle in adults

Abstract

In this study, the angle was examined radiologically in an attempt to determine its measurements in adults using a simple method. Antero-posterior plain X-ray views of the normal elbow region were taken in the Radio-Diagnostic Department of Al-Majma'ah, King Khalid Hospital, KSA. The study included 90 cases (45 males and 45 females). Measurement of the carrying angle was done to be confined to the lower third of the humerus and the upper third of the forearm to exclude any interference due to extensions of shaft of the long bones of the elbow in the actual values of the angle. The study demonstrated that the carrying angle is significantly greater in females than in males. In males, it ranged from 5° to 17° with a mean of 9.29±2.98°, while in females it ranged from 10° to 27° with a mean of 18.47±4.12°. The revealed differences between the carrying angles in males and females can be considered as a secondary sex character. The recorded measurements also might be helpful in the management of disorders of the elbow and in its reconstruction after fractures. Furthermore, the proposed method in this study is simple, easy and more or less accurate as it measures the actual angulations at the elbow.