Carrying angle of the elbow - excessive

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Skeleton

Elbow carrying angle - excessive; Excessive carrying angle of the elbow; Cubitus valgus

With the arms extended at the sides and the palms facing forward, the forearm and hands are normally slightly away from the body. This is due to the normal "carrying angle" of the elbow, which is 5 to 15 degrees. This angle permits the forearms to clear the hips in swinging movements during walking, and is important when carrying objects.

After certain fractures of the elbow, the carrying angle of the healed arm may be excessive (sticking out too much from the body). Or, the angle may be decreased so that the arm points toward the body, creating what is called a "gunstock deformity."

Review Date: 08/08/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin B. Freedman, MD, MSCE, Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Specialists, Bryn Mawr, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.