Comparison of Goniometric and Radiographic Measurement of Elbow’s Carrying Angle in Adult Pakistani Population

Abstract

Background: The carrying angle (CA) of elbow is an angulation of forearm with that of arm when the forearm is kept in supinated, and elbow in extended position. As there are different techniques of its measurement like goniometer and X-rays, it is not clearly known which one is better. This study is therefore designed to compare the two methods of its measurements. Study type, settings & duration: This cross-sectional study was carried out at CMH Malir from March to October 2020. Methodology: In the study, 80 adult males were included, with age group 18-22 years. Carrying angle of both elbows were measured by goniometric and on X-rays, the data was analyzed statistically, spearmen’s correlation was used to compare the mean values. Results: The mean age of study participants was 19.06±1.11years, the mean height was 179.46±3.10cm and the mean of weight was 61.83±1.88kg. The mean of CA by goniometer was 17.91±2.15 in right elbow while in the left elbow it was 16.53±2.33. The mean CA on X-ray was 18.06±2.14 in right elbow and 16.56±1.94 in the left. The mean values of CA by goniometer and on X-ray were when compared the ‘p’ value was 0.71 in right elbow which is non-significant; similarly, when the mean values of CA in left elbow by goniometer and on X-ray were compared the p value comes out 0.66 which is also non-significant. Conclusion: The present study provides evidence that any of the method of measurement among goniometric and radiographic can be used for the estimation of CA elbow with similar results.

Keywords

• carrying angle
• goniometer
• x-ray
• elbow