Which statement describes what the Q angle represents?

Which statement describes what the Q angle represents?

• A. The total force vector on the patella
• B. The distance from ASIS to patella
• C. The height of the patellar tendon
• D. The total force vector on the patella

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is how the patella is acted on by the forces of the quadriceps and the patellar tendon. The Q angle represents the direction of those forces on the patella, not their size or a distance. It’s defined by the angle between the line of pull of the quadriceps (from the ASIS through the center of the patella) and the line of pull of the patellar tendon (from the center of the patella to the tibial tubercle). This angle occurs in the frontal plane and helps explain how the patella tracks in the groove of the femur; a larger angle means more lateral pull on the patella, which can contribute to maltracking or patellofemoral pain. In short, the Q angle tells you about the direction of the forces on the patella, not the patella’s distance, tendon height, or the force’s magnitude.

The idea being tested is how the patella is acted on by the forces of the quadriceps and the patellar tendon. The Q angle represents the direction of those forces on the patella, not their size or a distance. It’s defined by the angle between the line of pull of the quadriceps (from the ASIS through the center of the patella) and the line of pull of the patellar tendon (from the center of the patella to the tibial tubercle). This angle occurs in the frontal plane and helps explain how the patella tracks in the groove of the femur; a larger angle means more lateral pull on the patella, which can contribute to maltracking or patellofemoral pain. In short, the Q angle tells you about the direction of the forces on the patella, not the patella’s distance, tendon height, or the force’s magnitude.