The measurement of humerocondylar angle in sagittal plane and its clinical significance in children.

Abstract

Objective To measure the normal value of humerucondylar angle in sagittal plane,and to explore its clinical significance in children.Methods Ninety-six normal children who were volunteers among 2 to 13 years old and included 8 volunteers for 4 males and females respectively in each age group,a total of 12 age groups,had not abnormality such as fractures,malformation and closure of osteoepiphysis all of their elbows(192 elbows).The subjects were divided into three groups by age,group A(2-5 yeam),group B (6-9 years),group C(10-13 years),and each group had 32 volunteers and 64 elbows.The humerocondylar angle in sagittal plane was measured in the standard lateral X-ray film of all children with meso-line in the long axis of the humeral shaft and the epiphyseal line of the capitulum of humerus.At the same time,the subjects were randomly selected in each age group,4 volunteers,2 males and females respectively,a total of 48 unilateral elbows,which were respectively took the standard anteroposterior plane and the improved anteroposterior plane which the angle of sucker and the long axis of humerus was the humerocondylar angle in sagittal plane,then comparing both clear rate of the epiphyseal line of the capitulum of humerus in anteroposterior plane.Results The average value of humerocondylar angle in sagittal plane was 47.84°±6.69°.There were no significant difference in sexes and sides.However,there was significant correlation between ages and humerocondylar angle in sagittal plane.The clear rate of the epiphyseal line of capitulum of humerus in improved anteropostefior plane was 100%,but the anteroposterior plane of vertical projection of tradition showed a clear rate of 14.58%.Conclusion Humeroeondylar angle of healthy side in sagittal plane could be used as a reference for opposite side in individual supracondylar fractures of humerus.Furthermore,the angle of sucker and the long axis of humerus was the humeroeondylar angle in sagittal plane which could provide a basis for clearly showing the epiphyseal line of capitulum of humerus in improved anteroposterior plane. Key words: Child; Elbow; Radiography