Elbow Exam
 

Elbow Deformities

 
 
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On this page:Elbow Carrying Angle

Overview

    • Look For

    • Abnormal contour of one elbow joint when compared to the other.

    • Causes of Elbow Deformities

    • Fracture - humeral condyles, ulnar olecranon, head of radius
    • Dislocation
    • Mass
    • Congenital deformity

Elbow Carrying Angle

  • An abnormal elbow carrying angle may be congenital or associated with fracture / dislocation of the humerus, radius or ulna.

    • Look For

    • The lateral angle between the arm and  forearm while the elbow is extended fully.
    • Elbow Carrying Angle

    • Interpretation

    • A
      Cubitus varus - a decrease in the carrying angle, with the forearm angulating more closely to the body.
    • B
      Normal
    • C
      Cubitus valgus - an increase in the carrying angle, with the forearm angulating out laterally.
 
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