Why can an increased Q angle cause patellofemoral pain?

Why can an increased Q angle cause patellofemoral pain?

Patients with a larger than normal Q angle (greater than 20 degrees) may be more susceptible to patellofemoral pain because the patella has a tendency to track more laterally (to the outside). Pain may be felt more on the outside of the patella and femur because of increased pressure on these contact areas.

What implications does Q angle have for patellofemoral problems?

The Q-angle is widely used as an indicator of patellofemoral problems such as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). When the Q-angle exceeds 15-20 degrees it is thought to contribute to knee extensor mechanism dysfunction and patellofemoral pain by increasing the tendency for lateral patella malposition [6].

What does an increased Q angle mean?

The Q angle formed by the vector for the combined pull of the quadriceps femoris muscle and the patellar tendon, is important because of the lateral pull it exerts on the patella. Any alteration in alignment that increases the Q angle is thought to increase the lateral force on the patella.

How does Q angle affect patellar tracking?

The quadriceps angle (Q-angle) is considered as an important determinant of patellar mal-tracking because it imposes a lateral traction force [5], [6]. Female individuals are generally considered to have a wider pelvis and a larger Q-angle than male individuals [7], and female patients may consequently have a greater …

What is the relationship of the Q angle and knee problems in females?

A wider pelvis and increased Q-angle in females is linked to knee pain, patellofemoral pain, and ACL injury. The alignment of the patellofemoral joint is affected by the patellar tendon length and the Q-angle. It is best to measure the Q-angle with the knee in extension as well as flexion.

What is the differential diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome?

The differential diagnosis of PFPS include chondromalacia patellae and patellar tendinopathy. Both are not considered to be under the umbrella term of PFPS though patients will complain of similar symptoms. The pathophysiology is thought to be different and therefore there is alternative treatment.

What is the most common mechanism of patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Doctors aren’t certain what causes patellofemoral pain syndrome, but it’s been associated with: Overuse. Running or jumping sports puts repetitive stress on your knee joint, which can cause irritation under the kneecap. Muscle imbalances or weaknesses.

How is Hoffa syndrome treated?

Hoffa’s syndrome is treated by firstly calming down the inflammation and secondly stopping the pinching and squashing. This can be achieved with rest and medicines. Further treatments include taping the knee and strengthening exercises.

Why do females typically have a higher Q angle?

During puberty the pelvis widens more in girls than boys owing to hormonal influences. The wider gynecoid structure results in Q angles that are greater in females than in males. The Q angle in males is typically between 8° and 14°, whereas that in females ranges from 11° to 20°.

How do you fix Q angle?

The most effective way to decrease a high Q angle and to lower the biomechanical stresses on the knee joint is to prevent excessive pronation with custom-made functional orthotics. One study found that using soft corrective orthotics was more effective in reducing knee pain than was a traditional exercise program.

What is the Q angle for patellofemoral pain?

Alignment: The quadriceps alignment between the hip and the knee (the Q angle) is thought to affect patellar tracking. Patients with a larger than normal Q angle (greater than 20 degrees) may be more susceptible to patellofemoral pain because the patella has a tendency to track more laterally (to the outside).

What is the Q-angle in patellofemoral pain?

The pain in most patellofemoral disorders is generalized to the anterior part of the knee. One important concept in patellofemoral joint function is the quadriceps angle (Q-angle).

Is patellofemoral pain syndrome a cause of anterior knee pain?

This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. The patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a possible cause for anterior knee pain, which predominantly affects young female patients without any structural changes such as increased Q-angle or significant chondral damage.

What are the signs and symptoms of patellofemoral compression syndrome (PFC)?

Patient’s usually present with the complaint of anterior knee pain that is aggravated by activities that increase patellofemoral compressive forces such as: ascending/descending stairs, sitting with knees bent, kneeling, and squatting.