Radiographic evaluation of Baumann angle in Chinese children and its clinical relevance

Normal Baumann angles in 98 children aged 2 to 13 years and abnormal Bauman n angles in 71 children with supracondylar humeral fractures were evaluated . In healthy children, Baumann angles ranged from 64 degrees to 80 degrees (72.4 degrees +/- 4.6 degrees) in boys and from 65 degrees to 81 degrees (7 2.9 degrees +/- 5.9 degrees) in girls. A significant negative relation (P < 0.01) between Baumann angle and carrying angle was noted, but there were n o significant differences in Baumann angles between boys and girls (P > 0.0 5) and no significant correlation of Baumann angle with increasing age (P > 0.05). In patients with fractures, the Baumann angle measured after immedi ate reduction correlated well with the carrying angle measured after union or at final followup (P < 0.01). This angle measured after reduction may be used to predict the final carrying angle so that cubitus varus deformity c an be effectively prevented.