The effect of Q angle on ankle sprain occurrence

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Anatomical alignment of the lower extremity, including the knee and hip, influences ankle joint stability.
• The quadriceps (Q) angle is a measure of lower extremity alignment that may relate to ankle injury risk.
• Understanding factors contributing to ankle sprains is crucial for injury prevention in athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between the quadriceps (Q) angle and other factors (anthropometrics, medical history, age) on ankle sprain occurrence.
• To identify key predictors of ankle sprains in high-level athletes.
• To assess the role of lower extremity anatomical alignment in ankle injury susceptibility.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study over 2 years with 45 high-level athletes from basketball, soccer, and volleyball.
• Quadriceps (Q) angle measurement via radiographs.
• Logistic regression analysis to determine the significance of various factors on ankle sprain probability (P = .1 significance level).

Main Results:

• Previous ankle injury (P < .01), body mass index (BMI; P < .10), and age (P < .10) were significant predictors of ankle sprains.
• The quadriceps (Q) angle was found to be statistically nonsignificant (P > .10) in predicting ankle sprains.
• Results remained consistent even when BMI was replaced by body inertia propensity.

Conclusions:

• The quadriceps (Q) angle magnitude is not a decisive factor for increased ankle sprain probability.
• Athlete's age, anthropometric characteristics (including BMI), and history of prior injuries are the most important factors influencing ankle sprain risk.
• Focusing on these factors may improve injury prevention strategies for athletes.