Quadriceps angle and its relation with hip rotation measured in two starting positions

Abstract

Introduction. The knowledge and measurement of Q-angle is highly important in clinical evaluation of knee function. The study was designed to investigate the relationship between quadriceps angle and hip rotation and to determine the influence of age on Q-angle values of a selected healthy Nigerian population.
Material and Method. Four hundred, apparently healthy volunteers (200 males, 200 females) within the age range 9-50 years, were divided into pre-puberty, adolescent, young adult and adult age groups. Subjects’ Q-angle (measured in supine lying), hip rotation (measured in prone lying and sitting positions) were measured using standardized procedures. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, range, standard deviation and inferential statistics of correlation matrix.
Results. No significant correlations (r<0.04, P< 0.05) were obtained between Q-angle and values of internal and external hip rotation measured in prone lying and sitting positions in case of the analysis of entire population and when each age group was considered separately.
Conclusion. Hip rotation and age may not be true predictors of Q-angle.

Key words:

Q-angle, hip rotation, age, prone lying, sitting