The quadriceps angle: a review of the literature.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative literature review without systematic review methodology reported.
PubMed 9699160 · doi:10.2519/jospt.1998.28.2.105
What was done
The authors conducted a literature review evaluating quadriceps (Q) angle measurements. The review analyzed four specific areas: variations under differing measurement protocols, differences between asymptomatic and symptomatic populations, differences between male and female cohorts, and bilateral side-to-side differences within subjects.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, sample sizes, or statistical metrics. Qualitatively, the review noted that little scientific evidence supports the assumptions that Q angles are larger in symptomatic versus asymptomatic individuals or that right and left limb values are equivalent. Larger mean Q angle values were consistently documented in young adult females compared to young adult males.
Why it matters
This review questions common clinical assumptions that an elevated Q angle directly correlates with knee pathology or that bilateral limb symmetry can be assumed, while confirming sex-based differences in young adults.
Limits
The abstract describes a narrative review without detailing search criteria, screening methodology, or the total number of studies included. No numerical estimates, measurement variances across protocols, or specific knee pathologies are provided in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports The female pelvis is wider and shallower than the male pelvis, which increases the Q angle and causes the female femur to angle more medially toward the knees.