II. 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

III. Interpretation: Normal Measurement

  1. Men: 11 to 17 degrees
  2. Women: 14 to 20 degrees (due to gynecoid Pelvis)

IV. 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)

V. Associated Conditions: Risks associated with increased Q angle

VI. References

  1. Agliettis (1983) Clin Ortho

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