Exam

Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Angle

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Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Angle, Q Angle of the Knee

  • Method
  1. Position patient in slight knee flexion (15 degrees)
  2. Measure angle between 2 lines
    1. Line 1: Anterior Superior Iliac to Patella center
    2. Line 2: Tibial Tubercle to Patella center
  3. Images
    1. orthoKneeQAngle.jpg
  • Interpretation
  • Normal Measurement
  1. Men: 11 to 17 degrees
  2. Women: 14 to 20 degrees (due to gynecoid Pelvis)
  • Causes
  • Increased Q angle
  1. Knock-Kneed (Genu Valgum)
  2. Excessive Femoral Anteversion
  3. Medial Tibial Torsion
  4. Laterally positioned tibial tuberosity
  5. Tight lateral Retinaculum
  6. Weakness of vastus medialis oblique
  7. High riding Patella (Patella alta)
  • Associated Conditions
  • Risks associated with increased Q angle
  1. Patellar Subluxation
  • References
  1. Agliettis (1983) Clin Ortho