The correlation between Q-angle and tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance in patients with patellar instability

Kazi, Zeeshan, Cooney, A.D., Caplan, Nick, Newby, Mike, St Clair Gibson, Alan and Kader, D.F. (2012) The correlation between Q-angle and tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance in patients with patellar instability. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 94-B (S_XXIX). p. 79. ISSN 2049-4394

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Abstract

Statement of purpose - To determine whether the Q-angle, measured in a defined and reproducible manner, correlates with the TT-TG distance in patients with patellar instability.

Methods and results - The Q-angle represents the angle between the vector of action of the quadriceps and patellar tendon. The normal angle is 14+/−3° in males and 17+/−3° in females. An increased Q-angle is associated with an increased risk of patellar instability, although there is disagreement on its reliability and validity. It can be affected by the anatomical points used to record the measurement, the position of the limb and whether the quadriceps are relaxed or contracted. TT-TG is ascertained by axial CT scanning, with a value exceeding 20mm associated with patellar instability.

Q-angles were measured in patients presenting to the patella clinic who had previously undergone Lyon protocol CT scanning for patellar instability. Patients were positioned supine with both feet in neutral rotation taped to a specially designed wooden board (the same position used for CT scanning). The anatomical landmarks were the anterior superior iliac spine, the centre of the patella and the centre of the tibial tuberosity. Both knees were measured with the quadriceps relaxed (relaxed Q-angle) and contracted (contracted Q-angle).

Thirty-four knees were measured, 24 pathological and 10 non-pathological. Pearson moment correlation demonstrated a significant correlation between relaxed Q-angle and TT-TG in all knees (R=-0.377; p=0.028). In pathological knees, contracted Q-angle also demonstrated a significant correlation with TT-TG but to a lesser extent than relaxed Q-angle (R=-0.428; p=0.037, R=-0.578; p=0.003 respectively). Linear regression analysis demonstrated relaxed Q-angle as a significant predictor of TT-TG distance in pathological knees. Contracted Q-angle was not significant.

Conclusion - The relaxed Q-angle, when measured as above, reliably correlates with and is a significant predictor of TT-TG distance in patients with symptomatic patellar instability.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	British Association for Surgery of the Knee (BASK) Cardiff, Wales, 6-7 April 2011
Subjects:	B100 Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology C600 Sports Science
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation
Depositing User:	Becky Skoyles
Date Deposited:	28 Mar 2014 15:28
Last Modified:	10 Nov 2020 16:12
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/15986

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