Height of medical students and carrying angle: An investigative correlation in central India within Raigarh District of Chhattisgarh

Introduction: A medially created acute angle or laterally created obtuse angle between the long median axis of arm and long median axis of forearm when the arm is extended and the hand supinated, with the axis of the forearm deviating laterally can be said to be named as the carrying angle (CA). This angle permits the forearms to clear the hips in swinging movements during walking and is beneficial when carrying objects. Aims & Objective: This conducted study evaluates significant interdependence between CA & height among males and females. We added a special reference on height and length of forearm which might affect CA along with any significant differences in comparison to right or left sided individual. Materials and Methods: Our observational manuscript had 82 (30 male & 52 female) medical students (17–21 years) of Late Shri Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Government Medical College Raigarh CG. For measurement of CA (in degrees), students were made to fully extend and supinate the arm in anatomical position and placing Goniometer over center of Cubital Fossa. Palpating anatomic Surface landmarks of Bicipital groove, biceps brachii tendon at its insertion and Palmaris Longus tendon at the wrist, median axes of the arm and the forearm was demarcated. The height, ages and sexes of the students were also recorded. Results: The mean carrying angle (Left) among males & females has been recorded as 6.62° ±1.82 & 12.78° ±3.51 respectively. The same for right side has been 6.21° ±1.3 & 12.58° ±3.33 respectively. A significant positive correlation between height of students and carrying angle, p= 0.0001(<0.05), for both males and females had been observed. Additionally, variations of CA with respect to dominant hand and length of forearm were also documented. Our study determined height from obtained CA by linear regression equation models. Conclusion: The present study correlated CA with height, hand dominance & length of forearm. The results of linear regression equations to predict height from CA, can be a source of judgement in forensic Anatomy and anthropology. The measurements of our study contribute for Orthopaedicians and radiologists in management of elbow displacement / fractures / condylar disorders including cubital fossa deformities.