Mnemonic

Carrying Angle of the Elbow

A memory aid for the normal carrying angle and its abnormalities.

Expansion

Normal carrying angle is about 5 to 15 degrees; increased is cubitus valgus and decreased is cubitus varus

Expansion

  • Normal - the forearm is angled about 5 to 15 degrees away from the body when the elbow is extended and supinated (slightly more in females)
  • Cubitus valgus - an increased angle, the forearm deviates further laterally
  • Cubitus varus - a decreased or reversed angle, the “gunstock” deformity, often after a supracondylar fracture