Significance of Q angle as a prognostic outcome measure for subjects with spastic diplegia

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs while the child’s brain is under development and mainly affects body movement and muscle coordination. Spastic diplegia is one of the most common and concerning types of cerebral palsy which is manifested as "tightness" or "stiffness" — mainly in the muscles of the lower extremities. Since Spastic Diplegia has its major impact on lower limbs, it is important to factor in the change in Quadriceps angle (Q angle) value with increasing spasticity. Quadriceps angle (Q angle) is the angle formed by two imaginary lines, one from ASIS to center of the patella and other from the tibial tuberosity to center of patella. Abnormal Q angle is one of major causes for abnormal gait. In spastic diplegic, lower limb muscles go for tightness leading to Q angle changes. Quadriceps angle (Q angle) is an angle formed by the crossing of two imaginary lines. The first line extends from the ASIS to the center of the patella (COP).

Author(s): Sanam Mainali, Jimshad T U and Anil T John3

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