The three bony point relationship of the elbow-Why is there still a lack of consensus?

Introduction: There is a definite lack of agreement in the orthopedic community regarding the three bony point relationship of the elbow. It is known that the lateral epicondyle, medial epicondyle and the tip of the olecranon acquire a “triangle” orientation when the elbow is flexed and form a straight line of extension. However, there is no clarity as to what is the nature of the triangle formed. Our review of the literature shows only one study to answer this question. Objective: We attempt to either refute the survey published or to support it by conducting a separate investigation in our population. Patients and Methods: An online poll was conducted to test the experienced orthopedic surgeon about their opinion regarding the nature of the triangle formed. We included 400 normal elbows in our study. The three bony points were marked and the distances measured using vernier calipers and the angles measured using a goniometer. The results were documented. Results: The survey conducted that the orthopedic surgeons gave mixed responses to our poll. The study also revealed that the triangle formed in all the elbows included in our study was that of a triangle of unequal sides and angles. Conclusion: Our study confirms the results of the previous research. This study forms an addition to the database to prove the same.