Influence of gender and bilateral variability of the quadriceps angle (Q angle) among adults

Abstract

Objective: The objective of study aimed to document bilateral variability in the mean Q angle and to study whether there is any difference of the above findings in males and females.Materials and Methods: One hundred healthy adult volunteers were studied. The Q angle was measured using a goniometric method with the subjects supine, quadriceps relaxed and lower limbs in neutral rotation. Appropriate statistical tests were used to determine the bilateral variability in the Q angle. Results: Of the 100 subjects included in the study mean age observed was 30.63+/-6.89 and mean Q angle of 16.20+/-4.45 and 15.12+/-4.34 on right and left side respectively. On comparing the Q angle between the right and left side of same sex, and between either sex was found statistically insignificant.Conclusion: The present study may not have any direct clinical applications, it is likely to be useful in explaining differences in the Q angle on either side of both sexes.