Measurement of the quadriceps (Q) angle with respect to various body parameters in young Arab population

Abstract

The quadriceps angle (Q angle), formed between the quadriceps muscles and the patella tendon, is considered clinically as a very important parameter which displays the biomechanical effect of the quadriceps muscle on the knee, and it is also regarded a crucial factor for the proper posture and movement of the knee patella. The Q angle is routinely and regularly used as an assessment parameter during the diagnosis of many knee-related problems, including the anterior knee pain, osteoarthritis, and degenerative knee disorders. This study had been conducted so as to measure the normal Q angle values range in the Arab nationalities and determine the correlation between Q angle values and several body parameters, including gender, height, weight, dominant side, and the condylar distance of the femur. The study includes 500 healthy young Arab students from the Yarmouk University and Jordan University of Science and Technology. The Q angle of those volunteers was measured using a universal manual Goniometer with the subjects in the upright weight-bearing position. It was found that Q angle was greater in young women than young men. Also, the analysis of the data revealed an insignificant increase in the dominant side of the Q angle. In addition, the Q angle was significantly higher in the taller people of both sexes. However, the Q angle did not present any considerable correlation with weight in the study population; conversely, it was clearly observed that there was a link with the condylar distance of the femur in both sexes. It was also noticed that the Q angle increased remarkably when there was an increase in the condylar distance. Consequently, it turned out that the gender, height, and the condylar distance were momentous factors that had impact on the Q angle in our study samples. However, weight and dominancy factors did not show to have any influence on the values in our study.

Determining the relationship between the quadriceps and tibiofemoral angles among adolescents

“…The Q-angle is a very important tool in assessing the knee joint function and describing the biomechanical alignment and function of the lower limbs. 6 Abnormal values may lead to subsequent articular problems, and in certain cases may lead to subluxation of the patella or an increase in the risk of development of anterior cruciate ligament ACL injuries by influencing the quadriceps reflex time. 6 A Q-angle value of 20°–22° or more is considered one of the predisposing factors for patellar dislocation and anterior knee pain.…”

“…Both the Quadriceps angle (Q-angle) and the Tibiofemoral angle (TF-angle) are considered predictors of proper lower limb alignment from the frontal plane and proper knee joint functioning. 6 …”

“… 7 It is formed by two lines; the first line is extended from the centre of the patella to the anterior superior iliac spine ASIS, while the other line is extended from the centre of the patella to the tibial tuberosity. 6 …”

Gambaran Panjang Femur terhadap Cedera Tungkai Atas pada Pemain Futsal

“…29 Pada laki-laki, ukuran panggul lebih sempit dan panjang femur lebih panjang yang berimbas pada Q-angle yang mengakibatkan laki-laki memiliki keseimbangan yang lebih baik ketika bertumpu pada satu kaki. 30…”

“…29 Hal inilah yang menunjukkan bahwa perempuan, yang memiliki pelvis lebih lebar dan femur yang lebih pendek, memiliki Q-angle yang lebih besar jika dibandingkan dengan laki-laki. 30 Semakin besar Q-angle dapat meningkatkan ketidakseimbangan individu dan meningkatkan beban yang ditampu oleh sendi patella yang dapat meningkatkan kejadian cedera pada atlit.…”