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Carrying angle is measured by a manual goniometer with two drawing axes of the arm and forearm. The axis of the arm is defined by the lateral border of the cranial surface of the acromion to the midpoint of the lateral and medial epicondyles of the humerus. The axis of the forearm is defined by the midpoint of the lateral and medial epicondyles of the humerus to the midpoint of the distal radial and ulnar styloid processes.
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The literature suggests a possible relationship between carrying angle and nontrauma-related ulnar neuropathy. To confirm that relationship, we asked whether carrying angle is a risk factor in patients with nontrauma-related ulnar neuropathy. We measured the carrying angles of the elbow in 36 patients with a clinically and electrophysiologically co...
Context in source publication
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... the patient in the supine position, we measured the carrying angle at the shoulder in 0° flexion and 0° exten- sion, full extension of the elbow, and the supinated position of the forearm at the lesion side with ulnar neuropathy. The carrying angle also was measured on the patients' unaf- fected side. The axis of the arm was defined distally at the midpoint between the medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus and proximally at the lateral border of the cranial surface of the acromion. The axis of the forearm was defined distally at the midpoint between the distal radial and ulnar styloid processes and proximally at the midpoint between the medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus (Fig. 1). The carrying angle was measured with a manual goniometer with two drawing axes of the arm and the forearm by three independent observers (CWC, YCW, CHC). Kappa coefficients were used to determine inter- observer and intraobserver reliabilities. The kappa values varied from 0.70 to 0.86 with the highest related to using bony landmarks (Table ...
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Citations
... According to them, the olecranon-coronoid angle showed a statistically significant difference between males and females. 2,8 In our study, the angle was measured between the longitudinal axis of the arm and the forearm, which showed a greater gender difference. Yilmaz et al. 9 confirmed a greater difference between males and females, which supports the present study. ...
: The long axes of the ulna and humerus form an acute angle when the upper limb is in its anatomical position and the elbow is fully extended is known as the carrying angle. It is typically larger in females than in males Anthropologists use the carrying angle to predict a person's sex; orthopaedic surgeons use it to surgically treat a variety of elbow disorders; and total elbow prosthetics.
The study aimed to assess the carrying angle in an attempt to determine its value in both sexes, proposing a simple and reliable method for measuring it.
The elbow radiographs taken in the normal anteroposterior and lateral views were assessed independently and uniformly by anatomists. A total of 70 adult radiographs between the ages of 18 to 76 years, 35 males and 35 females were gathered. To measure the angle, two lines were drawn: one along the mid-axis of the upper limb of the forearm, passing between the radius and ulna through the superior radioulnar joint, and the other along the mid-axis of the lower third of the humerus, where the angle is measured.
The carrying angle is statistically more significant in females than in males among 70 radiographs. The p-value was 0.000 and the mean and SD for males were 14.3±2.740, while the mean and SD for females were 21.92±3.170.
The current study concludes that there is a significant gender difference between females and males; carrying angle influences secondary sexual characteristics.
... However, the number of studies specifically investigating such relationships with LE is quite limited. [10,11] Our research aims to evaluate the potential relationship between LE and UHA and to ground the results in terms of anatomical-biomechanical factors. ...
The pathophysiology of lateral epicondylitis (LE) remains not fully elucidated, as it involves a complex interaction of anatomical structures. The primary objective of the research is to identify a potential relationship between LE and the ulnohumeral angle (UHA), which demonstrates the coronal alignment of the elbow. Patients diagnosed with LE between September 1st, 2020, and September 1st, 2023, were retrospectively examined. Demographic information and UHA measurements of patients meeting the inclusion criteria and a control group with similar criteria were collected. Measurements were independently conducted by 2 orthopedists at a 2-week interval and compared. Among 413 patients meeting the inclusion criteria and the control group comprising 420 patients, there were no significant differences in age, gender, and side (P = .447, P = .288, P = .159, respectively). The mean UHA for the LE group was 13.49 ± 4.24, while for the control group, it was 12.82 ± 9.19, showing a significant difference (P = .026). The interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the angle measurements were both above 0.80. We hypothesize that the increase in UHA in patients with LE reflects an adaptive change secondary to compressive forces acting on the lateral aspect of the elbow. This study is the first to describe the relationship between LE and UHA based on anatomical-biomechanical foundations, suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship. Further studies are warranted to delve deeper into this relationship. Abbreviations: ECA = elbow carrying angle, ECRB = extensor carpi radialis brevis, ECRL = extensor carpi radialis longus, ICCs = intraclass correlation coefficients, LE = lateral epicondylitis, UHA = ulnohumeral angle.
... An increase in the carrying angle during the growing age may lead to elbow instability [5,6], pain during exercise and throwing [7,8], decreased flexion at the elbow [9], increased chances of dislocation of the elbow [10], and increased chances of fracture of the distal humeral epiphysis [2]. In addition, a carrying angle of >15° has been reported to be a risk factor for non-traumatic ulnar neuropathy at the elbow [11]. ...
Purpose
This prospective cohort study aims to determine the factors that are associated with the carrying angle of the human elbow in the pediatric age group.
Methods
One hundred forty children up to 15 years of age were assessed for age, sex, forearm lengths of both sides, arm length of both sides, trans-trochanteric diameter, height, BMI, the inter-epicondylar distance of both sides, Baumann’s angle of both sides, presence or absence of secondary sexual characteristics, clinical carrying angle (CCA) of both sides, and radiological carrying angle (RCA) of both sides. Unpaired t-test was used to compare the means of carrying angle in the unrelated groups, namely gender and secondary sexual characteristics. The strength and direction of the relationship between carrying angle and continuous variables were tested by calculating Pearson’s correlation. Variables found to be associated with carrying angle at significance level >0.25 on bi-variable analysis were used to design a linear regression model to identify factors associated with carrying angle.
Results
The mean age was 5.84±4.76 years. Ninety-eight (70%) were males, and forty-two (30%) were females. The mean CCA on the right side was 8.55±2.01. The mean CCA on the left side was 8.77±2.03. The mean RCA on the right side was 8.85±2.09. The mean RCA on the left side was 9.07±2.13. On bi-variable analysis, the CCA was found to be associated with age, secondary sexual characteristics, weight, height, arm length, forearm length, inter-epicondylar distance, trans-trochanteric distance, and Baumann’s angle. CCA was found to be significantly negatively correlated with BMI. On multivariate linear regression, the CCA was found to be associated with age and inter-epicondylar distance.
Conclusion
Age and inter-epicondylar distance are the true associations of carrying angle.
... Excessive carrying angle may occur due to elbow fractures that cause the arm to stick out from the body. Unilaterally increased carrying angle is always abnormal 9 . A lot of problems may occur due to increased carrying angles like pain during exercise and throwing sports. ...
Aim: This study was conducted to determine the difference in carrying angles in the dominant and non-dominant hands of children Study design: Cross-sectional study Methodology: We target 250 normal children with no deformity, ages between 10 to 15 years (either gender). Individuals with a history of fractures and dislocations of and around elbow and shoulder joints and individuals with any congenital anomalies of elbow and shoulder joints were excluded from the study. The carrying angle of both the limbs was measured through Universal Goniometer Results: The carrying angles of the elbows of 250 cases were measured. Among them 125 were females and 125 were males aged between 10-15 years. The carrying angle increases by age on the right side of the hand. After 13 years of age, it increased on the left side. Conclusion: The current study was conducted at the various schools of Hyderabad Pakistan. The carrying angle was higher in females as compared to males. In both genders carrying angle of the dominant hand was more than the non-dominant arm. By increasing age carrying angle also increases till the age of 15 years.
... 16 Increased carrying angle may cause pain in different movements of hand. 17 Development of right and left-hand can occur asymmetrically which could be the cause for greater prevalence of carrying angle in right-hand of students. Prevalence of carrying angle found more on the right-hand of females than males could be the influence of their genetic background and hormonal difference. ...
Introduction: Carrying angle is an acute angle formed between extended arm and forearm when palm is directed forward. This angle is formed due to the angulation of the articulating surfaces of the humerus with the forearm. The angle is greater in dominant hand than in non-dominant hand in both males and females. Thus, this study aims to measure the carrying angle and find the prevalence of dominance of the carrying angle in the right-hand among dental students.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 students with the age ranging from 18-23 years in a teaching hospital. Ethical clearance was taken from Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 28/021) of a tertiary dental college and teaching hospital. Convenience sampling was done. Carrying angle was measured in right and left-hands of students with the help of a goniometer. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and percentage for binary data.
Results: Among 138 students, the dominance of carrying angle in right-hand was found in 107 (77.53%) (70.56-84.49 at 95% Confidence Interval). Prevalence of greater value of carrying angle in right-hand was found in 71 (78.88% ) female and 36 (75%) male students.
Conclusions: The prevalence of dominance of the carrying angle in the right-hand among dental students was lower than the other studies done in similar settings.
... The possible etiologic factors for lateral epicondylitis include repetitive microtrauma due to overuse, larger magnitude traumas or manual labor, and anatomical factors, although unclear [7]. In some studies [8,9], ECA abnormalities have been related to diseases such as medial/lateral epicondylitis and ulnar nerve neuropathies; however, some studies have found no relation between ECA and LE [5,6]. The most relevant finding of this study is that increased elbow carrying angles measured radiographically are associated with lateral epicondylitis, although we know the pathogenesis of lateral epicondylitis is multifactorial. ...
Introduction
The goal of this study was to ascertain the effect of increased elbow carrying angle (ECA) in lateral epicondylitis (LE) development.
Materials and methods
This retrospective study involved a total of 62 participants between January and December 2021, of whom 29 were diagnosed with LE. Physical examinations and elbow radiographs of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. ECAs were measured with the elbow fully extended and the forearm fully supinated on anteroposterior elbow radiographs. Two experienced orthopedic surgeons separately evaluated the values on the radiograph.
Results
This study involved 62 individuals, of which 55.4% are female and 44.6% are male. The mean age of the patients was 45.45 ± 4.77 years (range, 40-69 years), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.1 ± 3.8 kg/m² (range, 19-34 kg/m²). There were significant differences in elbow carrying angle between the LE group and the control group (p < 0.05). Also, there was a significant correlation between the LE side and the dominant side (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Increased ECA is associated with increased incidence of LE and may contribute to its etiology by elevating extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon tension and rerouting it, resulting in increased abrasive and pressurizing forces.
... Conversely, it was evaluated that this angle among children was greater in non-dominant limbs than dominant limbs [17]. For Correlation, the results of this study clarified that, there was negative significant correlation between carrying angle and hand grip strength in dominant arm in both genders, this may be due to the over stretch made by the cubitus valgus on the medial side of the elbow joint, thus increasing the incidence of non-traumatic ulnar nerve palsy and also affecting the grip strength as stated by [18]. Another study stated that an increased carrying angle may be a risk factor for non-traumatic ulnar neuropathy [19], another study reported that as carrying angle increases it increases angulation of the ulnar nerve pathway and increase the tension & chronic stretching injury of the ulnar nerve at the elbow [20], this comes in the same line with our study with more explanation for the reason. ...
... In a study by Purkait and Chandra (2004), carrying angle was reported to be 7 degrees in men and 13 degrees in women. Chang et al., (2008) stated that carrying angle is 13 degrees in men and 10 degrees in women. In Nigeria, studies on carrying angle are scanty. ...
Carrying angle studies have been of significance use in designing upper limb prosthesis and orthosis and in elbow reconstruction surgery. This research was conducted to determine carrying angle among Hausa ethnic population of Zamfara State, Nigeria. Data was collected from 299 male and 301 female participants of age range 18 to 28 years. Manual Goniometer was used in taking the measurement of carrying angle using three land marks procedure. Data were expressed using Mean± Standard Deviation (SD). P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Variations of means of carrying angle of two sexes were observed using Two Sample t-test. The Mean± SD of carrying angle of the population studied was found to be 12.37°±4.62 SD. The male and female mean ± SD of carrying angle was also determined to be 10.24° ± 4.26 and 14.54°±3.90 respectively. While the range of carrying angle was found to be greater in male having (0°-28°) than their female counterpart and(2°-22°) for females.
... The data is essential for surgeons and orthopedic as well as for pediatric to prevent deformity as well as to rule out any underlying pathology. An increase in carrying angle is a risk factor for non-traumatic ulnar nerve neuropathy as per a study done by Chein-Wei Chang(2008) [24]. A guesstimate of the carrying angle may help treat elbow injuries, such as fractures or epicondylar ailments, and elbow repair assessment [25]. ...
Background: The carrying angle is known as the acute angle created by the arm's median axis and that of the forearm, which is completely extended & supinated, and thus measures the forearm's lateral obliquity. This angle is best observed when the forearm is in full extension, elbow in supination, and the external rotation of the shoulder. The purpose of the research is to study the co-relationship between carrying angle and various parameters of height, forearm length, and age.
Methods: A total of 106 asymptomatic, healthy students were selected from 18-22 years of age at Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, DMIMS, Sawangi Meghe, Wardha. The carrying angle was measured with a goniometer. A measuring tape was used to measure the overall height of the subject and length of the subject's forearm.
Results: The p-value was found p< 0.05 on comparing carrying angle with height and forearm length, which suggests significant co-relation. Thus the person's height is inversely related to the carrying angle. The forearm length & height are directly related to each other; hence the forearm length is also related to the carrying angle. The p-value was found p > 0.05 on comparing carrying angle with age, which is non-significant. Thus there is no significant variation in carrying with age since the subjects were within a limited age range.
Conclusion: The carrying angle depends on the bone's length in the forearm. If the bone length is significantly greater, the angulation of the proximal articulation of the proximal articular surface is lower, hence the carrying angle is lower and vice versa.
... This angle is higher in males compared to females and higher in adults compared to children [4,5]. An increased carrying angle may be associated with ulnar neuropathy [6]. ...
Elbow pain can cause disability, especially in athletes, and is a common clinical complaint for both the general practitioner and the orthopaedic surgeon. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent tool for the evaluation of joint pathology due to its high sensitivity as a result of high contrast resolution for soft tissues. This article aims to describe the normal imaging anatomy and biomechanics of the elbow, the most commonly used MRI protocols and techniques, and common MRI findings related to tendinopathy, ligamentous and osteochondral injuries, and instability of the elbow.
