[Torsional malalignment of the humerus]

The torsion of the humerus describes the physiological rotation of the humerus around its longitudinal axis. Various clinical and radiological methods for measurement have been described. The computed tomography method is currently the gold standard. The angle between the humeral head axis and the transepicondylar axis is measured. This angle is called retroversion. Values of retroversion vary between 10° and 40°. For the treatment of many humeral pathologies, a precise reconstruction of the anatomical retroversion is required. The retroversion of the humerus has to be considered in shoulder arthroplasty, in fracture situations and also in planning correction of posttraumatic deformities. If an orientation to the original anatomical landmarks of the humerus is no longer possible, an orientation to the contralateral side is recommended.