The Effect of Q Angle on Ankle Sprain Occurrence

Abstract

The intersegmental joint forces and the structures that must resist them (articular surfaces, ligaments, and musculature) are related through anatomical alignment of the joints and skeletal system. Ankle joint structure can affect or be affected by bony malformations of the surrounding areas, including the knee and hip. The aim of the current study is to examine the possible relationship between the quadriceps (Q) angle and other factors (anthropometric characteristics, medical history, and age) on the occurrence of ankle sprains, because its value, when assessed correctly, provides useful information for the anatomical alignment of the lower extremity. The study sample consisted of 45 high-level athletes, evenly distributed among 3 sports (basketball, soccer, and volleyball). Q angle measurements were made on radiographs. The study lasted for 2 years. A logistic regression was used to determine the importance of each factor on the probability in question. A significance level of P = .1 was used. The factors contributing more to an ankle sprain were a previous injury of the same type ( P < .01) followed by body mass index (BMI; P < .10) and age (P < .10). On the contrary, Q angle was proven to be statistically nonsignificant (P > .10). The results were valid even when the BMI variable was substituted by body inertia propensity, a derived variable. The Q angle remained statistically nonsignificant ( P > .10). The Q angle magnitude does not seem to be a decisive factor that could increase the probability of spraining an ankle. The most important factors that could affect the probability of sustaining an ankle sprain are the athlete's age, anthropometric characteristics, and prior injuries.

The Impact of Knee Surface Alignment on Ankle Sprain Occurrence

“…The knee angles do not appear to affect the occurrence of such injuries. These results are consistent with previous studies by Pefanis et al, 43,44 where the effect of the Q angle as well as that of the tibiofemoral angle on the probability of suffering a sprained ankle was not proved to be statistically significant.…”

Is Body Composition Associated with an Increased Risk of Developing Anterior Knee Pain in Adolescent Female Athletes?

“…9,11,22,26,29–31,46 Theories supporting a correlation between an increase in BMI and PFP include BMI and its relation to decreased joint space in the knee, and BMI and its relation to an increased q-angle in the lower extremity. 23,47 Leppälä et al 13 showed that BMI had no relation to decreased bone mineral density.…”

Avaliação postural por fotogrametria em pacientes com escoliose idiopática submetidos à artrodese: estudo piloto

“…Esse resultado demonstra que uma curvatura da coluna prejudica o posicionamento dos membros inferiores, altera a contração muscular e o sinergismo da musculatura lombopélvica (29,30); portanto, a artrodese permitiu melhor sinergismo muscular e, consequentemente, um alinhamento do quadril e dos joelhos. A alteração do posicionamento dos membros inferiores também aumentou o ângulo ATTE em razão da alteração no posicionamento do centro de gravidade (31,32). Neste estudo, foi possível observar e quantificar as alterações posturais em pacientes que realizaram a cirurgia de artrodese para correção de escoliose idiopática do adolescente.…”