Baumann's angle is one of several radiographic methods used when assessing for the presence of a supracondylar fracture on an AP radiograph (x-ray).  It can be formed by:

• Drawing a line straight down through the middle of the humeral shaft and then through the trochlea and then drawing a line that is perpendicular to the humeral shaft line.
  
• Then a line is made parallel, but running through the lateral condylar physis. 

• The angle between the humeral shaft line and the parallel line to the lateral condylar physis should be about 70-75 degrees.  Anything greater than this is concerning for fracture with displacement. 
  
• It should be compared to the other (non-inured elbow) as a comparison and a difference of more than 5 degrees suggests a coronal plane deformity.

To see other related content select from an item below:

• Humerotrochlear Angle
• Anterior Humeral Line 
• Medial Epicondylar Epiphyseal (MEE) Angle
  

1. Williamson DM et al. Normal characteristics of the Baumann (humerocapitellar) angle: an aid in assessment of supracondylar fractures. J Pediatr Orthop 1992;12(5):636-9.  PubMed

Editors:  Anthony J. Busti, MD, PharmD, FNLA, FAHA
Last Updated:  June 2015