European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

BOHLER'S ANGLE–WHAT IS NORMAL IN THE UNINJURED MAKURDI POPULATION?

Annongu IT*, Mohammad H, Ugoh EC, Ejigbo AE, Iyua KO, Mue DD and Magaji O

ABSTRACT

Background: Calcaneal fracture is the commonest fracture of the tarsal bones and it is associated with displacement of the posterior facet of the calcaneus with resultant alteration in the normal range of the Bohler’s angle. Aim: To measure and establish the normal range of Bohler’s angle in the Makurdi population and to compare their values to the published data. Materials and Methods: Normal lateral plain radiographs of feet and ankles of patients aged above 15 years were analyzed retrospectively at Benue State University Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Hospital, Makurdi. Bohler’s angle was measured and the mean and standard deviation were calculated. The relationship between the angle with age, gender, and side of body was tested and compared to international figures. Results: One hundred and thirty radiographs were measured; of which 60 (46.2%) were of males and 70 (53.8%) females. From this study it was observed that the Bohler’s angle ranges from 20-420. The normal international reference values of Bohler’s angle is 280 to 400. Conclusion: The lower limit of Bohler’s angle in our study group, was found to be less than the reference values which is used to diagnose Calcaneal fractures. The study shows variation in the range of Bohler’s angle and reinforces the need to establish the normal ranges in a given population.

Keywords: Bohler’s angle, calcaneal fractures, reference values, Makurdi, Population.