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Normal ranges of popliteal angle in children
K Katz1, A Rosenthal, Z Yosipovitch
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Insights
This study establishes normal popliteal angle ranges in children, crucial for identifying hamstring contracture. A popliteal angle exceeding 50 degrees indicates abnormal tightness in children aged 4 and above.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
Background:
- Hamstring contracture is a common issue in children with cerebral palsy.
- Measuring the popliteal angle is a standard method for assessing hamstring tightness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the normal range of the popliteal angle in healthy children aged 1-10 years.
- To establish reference values for identifying abnormal hamstring tightness.
Main Methods:
- The popliteal angle was measured in 482 normal children aged 1-10 years.
- A 360-degree goniometer was used with the hip flexed at 90 degrees to measure hamstring muscle tightness.
Main Results:
- Mean popliteal angle was 6 degrees (0-15) for ages 1-3 years.
- At age 4, mean angles were 17 degrees (girls) and 27 degrees (boys) (5-45 degrees).
- From age 5 onwards, the mean angle was 26 degrees (0-50 degrees).
Conclusions:
- A popliteal angle greater than 50 degrees indicates abnormal hamstring tightness in children aged 4 and older.
- These findings provide essential normative data for pediatric orthopedic and neurological assessments.
Abstract:
Measurement of the popliteal angle is used to assess hamstring contracture in children with cerebral palsy. The popliteal angle in 482 normal children, 1-10 years of age, was measured. Using a 360 degrees goniometer, the popliteal angle was measured with the hip held at 90 degrees flexion to indicate hamstring muscle tightness. Between the ages of 1 and 3 years, the mean angle was 6 degrees (range, 0-15). At age 4, the angle rose to 17 degrees in girls and 27 degrees in boys (range, 5-45). At greater than or equal to 5 years the mean angle was 26 degrees with little change (range, 0-50). A popliteal angle of greater than 50 degrees in the above age groups indicates abnormal hamstring tightness.