Effects of quadriceps angle on patellofemoral contact pressure
- Author:
Yoon-Hyeong YOO
1
;
Sung-Jun LEE
;
Soon-wuk JEONG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Veterinary Science 2020;21(5):e69-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
-
Abstract:
Background:An inappropriate Q angle may affect the biomechanics of the canine patellofemoral joint.
Objectives:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of changes in quadriceps angle (Q angle) on patellofemoral joint pressure distribution in dogs.
Methods:Eight stifles were positioned at 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120° of flexion in vitro, and 30% body weight was applied through the quadriceps. Patellofemoral contact pressure distribution was mapped and quantified using pressure-sensitive film. For the pressure area, mean pressure, peak pressure, medial peak pressure, and lateral peak pressure, differences between groups according to conditions for changing the Q angle were statistically compared.
Results:Increases of 10° of the Q angle result in increases in the pressure area (P = 0.04), mean pressure (P = 0.003), peak pressure, and medial peak pressure (P ≤ 0.01). Increasing the Q angle by 20° increases the pressure area (P = 0.021), mean pressure (P≤ 0.001), peak pressure (P ≤ 0.01), and medial peak pressure (P ≤ 0.01) significantly, and shows higher mean (P ≤ 0.001) and peak pressures than increasing by 10°. Decreasing the Q angle increases the mean pressure (P = 0.013), peak pressure, and lateral peak pressure (P ≤ 0.001).
Conclusions:Both increases and decreases in the Q angle were associated with increased peak patellofemoral pressure, which could contribute to the overloading of the cartilage.Therefore, the abnormal Q angle should be corrected to the physiologically normal value during patellar luxation repair and overcorrection should be avoided
