A Q-angle greater than which value is associated with increased risk of patellofemoral pain?

A Q-angle greater than which value is associated with increased risk of patellofemoral pain?

• A. 13º
• B. 18º
• C. 21º
• D. 25º

Answer: (B)

A larger Q-angle means the quadriceps pull on the patella is more lateral, increasing lateral stress on the patellofemoral joint as the knee flexes and thereby raising the risk of patellofemoral pain. In practice, about 18 degrees is the commonly cited threshold beyond which this risk rises, with normal values typically lower (roughly around 12–15 degrees in men and slightly higher in women). A value like 13 degrees sits within normal alignment, while higher numbers such as 21 or 25 degrees indicate greater malalignment; however, 18 degrees is the cutoff most often used to signal increased risk in many athletic training contexts. Therefore, greater than 18 degrees is associated with increased risk.

A larger Q-angle means the quadriceps pull on the patella is more lateral, increasing lateral stress on the patellofemoral joint as the knee flexes and thereby raising the risk of patellofemoral pain. In practice, about 18 degrees is the commonly cited threshold beyond which this risk rises, with normal values typically lower (roughly around 12–15 degrees in men and slightly higher in women). A value like 13 degrees sits within normal alignment, while higher numbers such as 21 or 25 degrees indicate greater malalignment; however, 18 degrees is the cutoff most often used to signal increased risk in many athletic training contexts. Therefore, greater than 18 degrees is associated with increased risk.