Knee: Q angle: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Orthopaedics · Knee: Q angle

Sample item

A teenage girl has anterior knee pain and lateral patellar tracking. Which statement about the Q angle is correct?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. It is the angle between the line of the quadriceps pull and the patellar tendon, and a large angle predisposes to lateral patellar subluxation

The Q (quadriceps) angle is formed between a line from the anterior superior iliac spine to the centre of the patella and a line from the patella to the tibial tubercle. It is larger in women and with genu valgum, increasing the lateral force on the patella. A high Q angle predisposes to patellofemoral pain and lateral subluxation.

Option by option

  • A. It is measured between the femoral shaft and the neck

    The femoral neck-shaft angle is a different measurement.

  • B. It is the angle between the line of the quadriceps pull and the patellar tendon, and a large angle predisposes to lateral patellar subluxation (correct)

    Correct. A large Q angle increases lateral patellar force.

  • C. It measures tibial torsion

    Tibial torsion is measured by the thigh-foot angle or CT.

  • D. It is reduced in genu valgum

    The Q angle is increased, not reduced, in genu valgum.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is B, It is the angle between the line of the quadriceps pull and the patellar tendon, and a large angle predisposes to lateral patellar subluxation. The Q (quadriceps) angle is formed between a line from the anterior superior iliac spine to the centre of the patella and a line from the patella to the tibial tubercle.

Why is "It is measured between the femoral shaft and the neck" not the answer?

The femoral neck-shaft angle is a different measurement.

Why is "It measures tibial torsion" not the answer?

Tibial torsion is measured by the thigh-foot angle or CT.

Why is "It is reduced in genu valgum" not the answer?

The Q angle is increased, not reduced, in genu valgum.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Knee: Q angle in Orthopaedics. It is larger in women and with genu valgum, increasing the lateral force on the patella. A high Q angle predisposes to patellofemoral pain and lateral subluxation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Knee: Q angle?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.