Elbow Joint Anthropometry in Central Indian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

The carrying angle of the elbow is a critical aspect of upper limb biomechanics, influencing arm movement, and hand precision. This study aims to assess elbow joint parameters, including the carrying angle, articular surface angle, and anatomical alignment to understand normal elbow morphometry and its variations based on age, sex, and side dominance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 300 right-hand dominant, healthy volunteers aged 18-50 years. Elbow joint measurements were taken using anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs. The carrying angle, articular surface angle, and other anatomical parameters such as the anterior humeral line (AHL) and radiocapitellar line (RCL) were measured.

RESULTS

The mean carrying angle on the dominant side was 10.19 ± 1.175° for males and 13.44 ± 0.610° for females, ( < 0.001). On the non-dominant side, males had a mean carrying angle of 9.72 ± 1.063°, and females had 13.38 ± 0.634°, also showing significant differences ( < 0.001). The articular surface angle was 82.8° ± 4.501°. The AHL intersected the capitellum in the middle third in 55.3% of dominant sides and 55% of non-dominant sides. The mean trans-epicondylar distance was 6.19 cm on the dominant side and 6.21 cm on the non-dominant side.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable data on elbow joint anthropometry in the Central Indian population, revealing significant sex-based differences in carrying angle and alignment.