Christine Jimenez

Coach Kramer

Knee lab

8 March 2018

Hypothesis: The Q angle in females will be larger than males due to wider hips.

Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to figure out why Goniometry is used in measuring the Q

angle and its importance.

Background: Goniometry is the measurement of range of motion in a specific joint. It is used to

measure the Q angle which includes the patellofemoral joint and the quadriceps. The q angle

specifically, is a line that represents the line of force of the quads which connect near the ASIS.

This is important to measure because if there is a discrepancy in alignment, there will be an

increase in lateral force on the patella. The q angle’s importance related to injuries include

examining the alignment of the knee joint and if that is affected, it will lead to injuries in the leg

muscles and other joints.

Analysis:

1. Genu valgum- a misalignment that causes the knees to turn inward when standing. The distal

femur typically causes the knock knees and can be caused by bone development, pressure, or

loose ligaments.
2. Genu varum- also known as bowlegs, when there is an outward angle at the knee and the

lower leg is inward. It can be caused by the bones not forming properly as well as infections and

tumors.

3. Genu recurvatum- the knee is hyperextended in which causes the the knee to have an

excessive backward motion. This is caused by a blow to a knee that is extended or connective

tissue disorders.
4. Patella alta- when the patella is above the joint and is “high riding”. The patella is usually

placed in the joint but in this case, is placed out of and above the joint. This can be caused by

knee twisting, a sudden torque, and congenital defects.

5. Patella baja- When the patella is abnormally low. With that, it gives a restricted range of

motion, crepitations, and retropatellar pain

6. Squinting patella- When the patella appears to to inward when the athlete is standing. It is

caused when the femur is pointed forward.

7. Frog eye patella- When the patella is facing outward which is caused from patella bursitis

Data:

There is no significant change in any of the measurements comparing each leg except a 1-2 inch

difference.
Conclusion:

My hypothesis was was supported for the most part as Alex and Lilli had bigger Q angles than

the males. Alex had a Q angle of 14 on her left and 13 on her right while Lilli had 12 on her left

and 13 on her right. The rest of us averaged the same Q angle ranging from 11-12. I had around

the same Q angle as the males but my loose pants could have been a factor of a potential

incorrect measurement. Griffin is at risk for knee injuries because his right knee is recovering

from an ACL injury and his leg is weak. As his knee recovers, it is in a critical stage where there

can be no weight put on his right leg. Us women are more susceptible to knee injuries than the

men because of our bigger Q angle. If we have a larger Q angle, that means we have a higher risk

of too much lateral force on the patella which could lead to a variety of injuries to the knee.

Measuring the Q angle could reduce the risk of knee injuries if there is an odd measurement, the

athletic trainers can give exercises such as strengthening the muscles around the femur and

patella so that it is less susceptible to an injury caused by a lateral force.