The carrying angle of the elbow is approximately 5–7 degrees in males and 10–15 degrees in females. This angle is produced primarily by the obliquity of which articular surface?

• A Radial head articular surface being angled medially
• B Trochlear articular surface (oblique tilt of the trochlea with the lateral lip projecting more distally) ✓
• C Humeral shaft being angulated medially at its lower end
• D Olecranon fossa orientation on the posterior humerus

Explanation

The carrying angle results from the obliquity of the humeral trochlea: its lateral lip (capitulum side) projects more distally than its medial lip, creating a valgus angle at full extension when the forearm aligns with the long axis of the oblique trochlea. An increased carrying angle (cubitus valgus) follows lateral condyle fracture and can cause tardy ulnar nerve palsy as the nerve stretches around the medial epicondyle. A decreased carrying angle (cubitus varus/gunstock deformity) follows supracondylar fracture with malunion. The radial head and olecranon fossa geometry are not the primary determinants of the carrying angle.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.