Elbow Carrying Angle

Overview

• 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.

• • 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.