Abstract
Cubitus deformities are often identified via anteroposterior views of the elbow; however,
irradiating both limbs is required in this method to confirm and quantify the deformity.
This brief report proposes a new method of evaluating lateral radiographs for the
presence of cubitus varus and valgus by identifying a key landmark: the overlap of
the trochlea and capitellum within the olecranon and coronoid processes, without a
contralateral radiograph. On a lateral radiograph, the relationship of the radio capitular
line proximal to the ulnotrochlear line depicts a cubitus valgus deformity and the
reverse is true for a cubitus varus deformity. This sign is a reliable method to screen
and assess these deformities in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
Level of Evidence: Level V.
Keywords
cubitus varus - cubitus valgus - lateral radiographs of the elbow
