Misconceptions about the three point bony relationship of the elbow

Conclusion: Our observations indicate that this triangle is neither isosceles, nor equilateral, but a scalene triangle of unequal sides. There may even be a minimal difference in the 2 sides of the same individual, which has the potential to complicate routine comparison of the two elbows during examination.
Results: The analysis of data revealed that all surgeons were aware of the three bony points relationship; however 21 of the 179 (mostly senior surgeons) did not give too much importance to this evaluation in daily clinical practice. Nine surgeons were not sure what type of triangle was formed, 17 thought it was an equilateral triangle, 40 thought it was some other type of triangle while 113 (63%) thought these points formed an isosceles triangle. This is a reflection of the disparity in the perception about this triangle in the orthopaedic community in general.

Source: Table of Contents : Indian Journal of Orthopaedics : 2007 - 41(1) - September 2, 2014 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Mandeep S DhillonNirmal Raj GopinathanVishal Kumar Source Type: research