Normal Q-angle in an Adult Nigerian Population

Abstract

The Q-angle has been studied among the adult Caucasian population with the establishment of reference values. Scientists are beginning to accept the concept of different human races. Physical variability exists between various African ethnic groups and Caucasians as exemplified by differences in anatomic features such as a flat nose compared with a pointed nose, wide rather than narrow faces, and straight rather than curly hair. Therefore, we cannot assume the same Q-angle values will be applicable to Africans and Caucasians. We established a baseline reference value for normal Q-angles among asymptomatic Nigerian adults. The Q-angles of the left and right knees were measured using a goniometer in 477 Nigerian adults (354 males; 123 females) in the supine and standing positions. The mean Q-angles for men were 10.7°± 2.2°i n the supine position and 12.3°± 2.2°in the standing position in the right knee. The left knee Q-angles in men were 10.5°± 2.6°in the supine position and 11.7°± 2.8°i n the standing position. In women, the mean Q-angles for the right knee were 21°± 4.8°in the supine position and 22.8°± 4.7°in the standing position. The mean Q-angles for the left knee in women were 20.9°± 4.6°in the supine position and 22.7°± 4.6°in the standing position. We observed a difference in Q-angles in the supine and standing positions for all participants. The Q-angle in adult Nigerian men is comparable to that of adult Caucasian men, but the Q-angle of Nigerian women is greater than that of their Caucasian counterparts.

Normal Values of Quadriceps Angle and Its Correlation with Anthropometric Measures in a Group of Jordanians

“…(15)(16)(17) Many studies aimed to correlate the variations in the Q angle values to the variations in race. (10,11,17) Therefore, Q angle values for different populations could not be applicable for the Jordanian population.…”

“…(3) This angle can be measured in supine or standing position with the hip and knee extended and the quadriceps muscle relaxed. (10) Women have higher values of Q angle, this difference was attributed to women's broader pelvis, shorter femur length, and more inwards twist of the femur. (11) As the biomechanics of patellofemoral joint are affected by patellar tendon length and the Q angle, (12,13) the aim of the present study was to improve the clinical diagnosis and assessment of malalignment of the patellofemoral joint in Jordanian population.…”

Alinhamento articular de membros inferiores e controle postural em idosas

“…Statistical differences were verified for SDx (CBEO), SDy (CBEO), RANGEy (CBEO), and Area (CBEC), specifically between the extreme -varus and valgus -groups (p < 0.017; for each pair mentioned comparison the Bonferroni correction was applied: 0.05/3 = 0.017; Figure 2). Q-angle (º)** 13 (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17) 13 (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15) Values are expressed as the median (1st-3rd quartile) for numerical variables and absolute number (percentage) for categorical variables. BMI = body mass index; F-E = flexion-extension angle; St = subtalar angle; Tt = tibiotarsal angle.…”

“…The correlations observed between the flexion-extension angle and the stabilometric variables were weak, therefore it is not likely that the knee alignment in the sagittal plane influence body sway. The Qangle has already been extensively explored in the literature 15,16,26 . Normal values for this angle range from 10º to 14º 22,23 , but research has not focused on the relationship between this angle and body sway.…”

“…To characterize the ankle and knee alignment of the participants, four angles (tibiotarsal, subtalar, knee flexion-extension and Q-angle) were measured bilaterally while the participant was in a bipedal quiet standing position without shoes and with no joint replacement allowance, as described elsewhere 14,15,16 ( Figure 1). To reduce measurement errors, all subjects were measured with the same goniometer with values rounded to the nearest two degrees (EMG Systems do Brasil, São Paulo, Brazil) and by the same expert examiner.…”