Evaluation of Quadriceps angle in women with unilateral osteoarthritis of the knee

Abstract

Background & Aim

Osteoarthritis is a progressive musculoskeletal condition leading to disability. Misalignment of knee joint is one of the main predisposing factors for the onset and progression of osteoarthritis. The present study aimed to compare the quadriceps angle between osteoarthritis knee and normal.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study with purposive sampling method in 84 subjects in the age group of 50 -65 years including 42 women diagnosed with unilateral osteoarthritis knee and 42 healthy women was conducted. Women diagnosed with unilateral osteoarthritis knee on the basis of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Clinical Classification Criteria for Osteoarthritis of the knee were recruited. Healthy women were age matched controls without any history of pain, trauma or surgeries in both the lower extremities. Quadriceps angle was measured using goniometric method.

Results

The mean age of the participants in osteoarthritis knee and normal was 55.21 ± 4.32 and 56.45 ± 5.16 years respectively. Comparison of mean values of quadriceps angle between osteoarthritis knee and normal subjects using unpaired t test was statistically significant (p = 0.014) with quadriceps angle higher in osteoarthritis knee group. Also, comparison of mean values of quadriceps angle between affected and unaffected side in osteoarthritis knee subjects using paired t test was statistically significant (p = 0.000) with quadriceps angle higher in affected side of osteoarthritis knee group.

Conclusion

The results of the present study show that quadriceps angle is greater in osteoarthritis knee patients as compared to healthy individuals.