Department of Physiotherapy, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is common problem among young and active individuals. The aetiology of PFPS has been attributed to biomechanical abnormalities. Q-angle is an important clinical tool to assess the biomechanics of patellofemoral joint.
To investigate whether Q-angle abnormalities are present in patients with PFPS.
The study includes 30 subjects, 15 patients diagnosed with PFPS and 15 gender matched control subjects that did not have PFPS. The data has been analysed using SPSS10.0 version software. The comparison of Q-angles between various groups has been done using t test.
The comparison of Q-angles for PFPS and control group in supine position using independent t-test showed no significant results. However the Q-angles for two groups showed significant differences in standing position. A comparison of q-angles in supine and standing position using paired t-test showed significant difference.
It can be concluded that Q-angle invariably remains an important clinical test for the diagnosis of PFPS. Test performed in standing position can give significant findings about the morbid status compared to the classical method of performing the test in supine position. Q-angle changes on change of position from supine to standing due to linked biomechanics of lower extremity.
Q-angle-Quadriceps muscle pull angle, PFPS-patellofemoral pain syndrome
