Bohlers Angle
Other Names
- Böhler angle
- Bohler angle
- Tuber joint angle
- Calcaneal angle
- Tuber angle
Introduction
- Bohler’s angle is a radiographic measurement obtained on a lateral foot or calcaneal radiograph
- Primarily used to evaluate calcaneal fractures and posterior facet collapse
- First described by Austrian surgeon Lorenz Böhler[2]
- Commonly assessed in trauma imaging following axial loading injuries to the hindfoot
- Decreased Bohler’s angle is strongly associated with calcaneal fracture severity
Description
- Measured on a lateral radiograph of the calcaneus
- Formed by the intersection of two lines:
- Line from the highest point of the anterior process to the highest point of the posterior articular facet
- Line from the highest point of the posterior articular facet to the highest point of the calcaneal tuberosity
- Normal Bohler’s angle is typically: 20–40 degrees
- A decreased angle suggests collapse of the posterior facet or calcaneal compression injury
- Severe fractures may produce an angle near zero or even negative values
Pathology
- Calcaneus Fracture
- Posterior facet collapse
- Axial loading injuries
- Malunion of calcaneal fractures
- Hindfoot deformity
Evidence
- Isaacs[3]
- Sensitivity: 99%
- Specificity: 99%
- Knight et al[4]
- Emergency physicians were 97.9% accurate in diagnosing calcaneal fractures by visual inspection of plain films alone
See Also
References
- ↑ Case courtesy of Leonardo Lustosa, Radiopaedia.org, rID: 94702
- ↑ Böhler L. "Diagnosis, Pathology, and Treatment of Fractures of the Os Calcis." The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1931;13(1):75-89.
- ↑ Isaacs, Joseph D., et al. "The diagnostic accuracy of Böhler’s angle in fractures of the calcaneus." The Journal of emergency medicine 45.6 (2013): 879-884.
- ↑ Knight, Jason R., et al. "Boehler's angle and the critical angle of Gissane are of limited use in diagnosing calcaneus fractures in the ED." The American journal of emergency medicine 24.4 (2006): 423-427.