Association Between Increased Elbow Carrying Angle and Lateral Epicondylitis

Introduction The goal of this study was to ascertain the effect of increased elbow carrying angle (ECA) in lateral epicondylitis (LE) development. Materials and methods This retrospective study involved a total of 62 participants between January and December 2021, of whom 29 were diagnosed with LE. Physical examinations and elbow radiographs of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. ECAs were measured with the elbow fully extended and the forearm fully supinated on anteroposterior elbow radiographs. Two experienced orthopedic surgeons separately evaluated the values on the radiograph. Results This study involved 62 individuals, of which 55.4% are female and 44.6% are male. The mean age of the patients was 45.45 ± 4.77 years (range, 40-69 years), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.1 ± 3.8 kg/m² (range, 19-34 kg/m²). There were significant differences in elbow carrying angle between the LE group and the control group (p < 0.05). Also, there was a significant correlation between the LE side and the dominant side (p < 0.05). Conclusion Increased ECA is associated with increased incidence of LE and may contribute to its etiology by elevating extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon tension and rerouting it, resulting in increased abrasive and pressurizing forces.