[Thoughts on the so-called "radius-capitellum axis" (author's transl)].

We have studied 438 patients radiologically in order to observe the so-called "radius-capitellum axis". In about a quarter of people with normal elbows the axis passes lateral to the middle portion of the capitellum, so that even when there is marked deviation, there is no certainty that the humero-radial joint is abnormal. Deviation of the axis can be caused by changes in the shape of the capitellum or of the radius, or by distension of the capsule of the elbow joint, or by various changes in muscular pull.