Investigation of Q Angle and Related Factors in Osteoporosis Patients.

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the Q angle in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis, osteopenia, and osteoarthritis and to compare the groups with each other.

Methods

This study included 22 female patients diagnosed with osteoporosis, 22 female patients diagnosed with osteopenia, and 22 female patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis, aged 40-65 years. Q angle, pain, lower extremity muscle strength, foot posture, and pes planus were assessed using a goniometer, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Medical Research Council (MRC) Scale, Foot Posture Index (FPI), and Navicular Drop Test (NDT), respectively.

Results

There was a statistical difference in both right and left Q angle in osteoporosis compared to osteoarthritis (P=.009, P=.002, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in both right and left Q angle between osteoporosis and osteopenia (P=.730, P=.491, respectively), and osteopenia and osteoarthritis (P=.022, P=.017, respectively). However, a statistically significant difference was found between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis in the right (P=.009) and left (P=.002) sides. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between Q angle and FPI and NDT in all patients in this study (P < .01).

Conclusion

Patients with osteoporosis were found to have a higher Q angle than osteoarthritis and osteopenia patients. In addition, foot posture and pes planus were found to be associated with the Q angle. Osteoporosis patients may have a tendency to valgum.