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Correlation of the tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance with the Q-angle

  • Knee
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Purpose

The Q-angle has been used for years to quantify lateralization of the patella. The tibial tuberosity–trochlea groove distance (TT–TG distance) was introduced to analyse patellar tracking. Does a significant correlation exist between these two parameters? Do other significant interrelations exist between the Q-angle/TT–TG distance, torsion of the femur and tibia, the frontal axis, overall leg length, gender, former patellar dislocation, BMI?

Methods

One hundred knees in 55 patients with patellofemoral symptoms were included in a prospective study. All patients underwent clinical examination, including measurement of the Q-angle. A torsional CT was obtained from all patients.

Results

The correlation coefficient was 0.33/0.34 (left/right leg), showing that the TT–TG distance tends to rise in direct ratio to a rising Q-angle. Thus, a significant correlation was found (p = 0.017). Femoral and tibial torsion had a positive effect on the TT–TG distance, but showed no significant correlation. Leg length had a significant effect on the TT–TG distance (p = 0.04). The frontal axis had a nonsignificant influence on the Q-angle or TT–TG distance. On average, the Q-angle in women was 2.38° greater than it was in men, but the difference was not significant.

Conclusion

A significant correlation was noted between the Q-angle and the TT–TG distance. Both depend on various parameters and must be assessed for the analysis of patellofemoral maltracking. The Q-angle did not differ significantly between men and women; thus, the conclusion is that no different ranges need not be used.

Level of evidence

Diagnostic study, Level III.

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Conflict of interest

No external funding was provided for the study. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Klinikum Bamberg, Buger Strasse 80, 96049, Bamberg, Germany

    Jörg Dickschas, Jörg Harrer & Wolf Strecker

  2. Radiologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Maximiliansplatz 1, 91054, Erlangen, Germany

    Thomas Bayer

  3. Institut für Medizininformatik, Biometrie und Epidemiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstr. 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany

    Judith Schwitulla

  4. Universitätsstr. 22, 91052, Erlangen, Germany

    Judith Schwitulla

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  1. Jörg Dickschas
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  2. Jörg Harrer
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  3. Thomas Bayer
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  4. Judith Schwitulla
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  5. Wolf Strecker
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Correspondence to Jörg Dickschas.

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Dickschas, J., Harrer, J., Bayer, T. et al. Correlation of the tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance with the Q-angle. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 24, 915–920 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-014-3426-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-014-3426-2

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