An Observational Study of Clinico-radiological Co-relation of Carrying Angle in Children

The purpose of this study is to establish the correlation of clinically measured carrying angle with four radiological angles, i.e., Humerus-Elbow-Wrist angle (HEWA), Humero-ulnar angle, Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal angle, and Baumann's angle, and to find out which of the above-mentioned angles co-relates best with the clinically measured carrying angle.

We studied 100 patients in the age group of 2-12 years after Ethics committee approval and informed consent from parents. Clinical angle was measured using goniometer and radiological angles marked on antero-posterior elbow X-ray using a standard method. Collected data were studied using statistical tests to find out correlation.

Pearson correlation coefficient for humerus-elbow-wrist angle found to be 0.674 followed by Humero-Ulnar angle (r = 0.417). Regression coefficient for humerus-elbow-wrist angle is 0.635 (p value < 0.001).

Humerus-Elbow-Wrist angle correlates better compared to other radiological angles in assessment of varus-valgus angulations of elbow & will not only play a vital role in pre- operative planning of deformity corrections but also in the evaluation & comparison of the post-operative functional outcomes.