Variation in the position and orientation of the elbow flexion axis.

We analysed the axis of movement in the normal elbow during flexion in vivo using radiostereometric analysis (RSA). The results show an intraindividual variation in the inclination of the axis ranging from 2.1 degrees to 14.3 degrees in the frontal and from 1.6 degrees to 9.8 degrees in the horizontal plane analysed at 30 degrees increments. The inclination of the mean axis of rotation varied within a range of 12.7 degrees in the frontal and 4.6 degrees in the horizontal plane. In both planes, the mean axes were located close to a line joining the centres of the trochlea and capitellum. The intra- and interindividual variations of the axes of flexion of the elbow were greater than previously reported. These factors should be considered in the development of elbow prostheses.

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