Anthropometric characterisation of elbow angles and lines among Tibetan children (3–13 years) seeking refugee in India: A comparison survey

Background: Various radiological criteria based on anthropometric parameters are used to understand injuries on paediatric elbow and for checking the degree of reduction after manipulation. The anthropometric parameters of Caucasians are different from European and mongoloids, their parameters cannot be applied across different population groups living in India. Hence, there is a need to characterise anthropometric parameters of elbow among children of different ethnicity living in Indian. Materials and Methods: The study population comprised of all cases of injury to the elbow joint between 3 and 13 years of age reporting to the Department of Orthopaedics during the study and belonging to Tibetan population seeking refuge in India. The X-rays films were preserved and the angles and lines (as anthropometric parameters) were drawn on the radiographs. Results: The mean value for Baumann angle in males was 72° with standard deviation (SD) of 2.75 and in girls was 73° with SD of 1.41. The mean lateral capitellohumeral angle in children from 3 to 13 years of age was 45.33° ± 3.97°. The anterior humeral line passed through middle one-third of capitellum in 86.6%. The radiocapitellar intersection occurred in 100% of the cases with radiocapitellar bisection reported on 86.6% of the X-rays films. Conclusion: As the values of two population; Indian and Tibetan differ, establishing comparisons can significantly affect the outcome while managing elbow injuries.