Evaluation of the Normal Limit of the Congruence (Q) Angle of the Patela In Nigeria Adult Cadavers

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To establish the normal limit of the congruence 9Q) Angle of the patella in Nigeria and therefore establish a reference value for orthopaedic surgeons.


DESIGN: Measurement of Q angle in 104 freshly obtained cadavers from three centers in Port Harcourt and one center in Nnewi all in eastern part of Nigeria.


SETTING: Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt


RESULT: For the left lower limb, the mean Q angle for females in 13.25+ 3.26o for males. The mean values of Q angle is found to be significantly higher in female limbs when compared to males (P<0.05). bilateral asymmetry was found in female cadavers with Q angle of the left limb being significantly higher than that of the right limb (P<0.05).


MAIN OUTCOME: The values of Q angle obtained in the present study are similar to values reported for Caucasians.


CONCLUSION: The value of Q angle so established for Nigerian is important in the diagnosis of coax vulga and coax vera deformities and is therefore of immense orthopaedic importance.


Nigerian Journal of Orthopaedics and Trauma Vol.3(2) 2004: 184-192