Prevalence and gender trends in knee deformities among children aged 6-12 years in Anand City"
Dr.Shweta Patel
, Dr. Ashish Gupta
Knee Deformities Q Angle Intercondylar Distance Genu Valgum Genu Varum Pediatric Biomechanics Gender Differences Anthropometric Measurement
ABSTRACT
Background & Objective:
Modern lifestyles, characterized by reduced physical activity, increased screen time, and poor dietary habits, have been implicated in various musculoskeletal issues among children. These factors can contribute to anatomical and biomechanical changes, potentially affecting the development and alignment of the lower limbs.
The knee joint undergoes significant developmental changes from infancy to childhood, transitioning from a varus (bow-legged) to a valgus (knock-kneed) alignment. This physiological variation is well-documented, but misunderstandings about the normal range of knee angles can lead to unnecessary interventions. Specifically, there's a need for more clarity on the normal development of knee angles in Indian children.
The Q-angle, formed by the quadriceps muscles and patellar tendon, is an important measurement for assessing knee alignment. Research indicates gender differences in Q-angle, with young adult women typically exhibiting larger Q-angles than men, which has been attributed to anatomical differences like a wider pelvis. Abnormal Q-angles have been associated with patellofemoral disorders (PFD).
Knee deformities such as genu valgum (knock-knees) and genu varum (bowlegs) are common orthopedic concerns in children. These conditions involve deviations in the alignment of the femur and tibia, which can lead to pain, altered biomechanics, and an increased risk of complications like osteoarthritis.
Therefore, investigating knee deformities and related factors like intercondylar distance and Q-angle in children is crucial for understanding normal development, identifying potential risk factors, and informing preventive and management strategies.
Methods
This research employed a cross-sectional study design and was conducted within schools located in Anand City. The participants were selected using a stratified random sampling method, with gender as the stratification variable. The researcher initially selected six schools within the Anand district for the study, utilizing a chit-pick method for selection. However, only one of these schools granted permission to conduct the research; the other five schools either declined the request or did not provide a response. The final sample size for this study comprised 1378 children. The study population consisted of boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years.
Procedure:
This research aimed to investigate the Q angle, intercondylar angle, intermalleolar angle, and knee extension range in boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years to understand the prevalence of knee deformities, particularly genu recurvatum, within this population. The study was conducted at Ambalal Balshala School, Anand.
Ethical Approval and School Permissions: Prior to data collection, informed consent was obtained from the Principal of Ambalal Balshala School. Subsequently, teachers of the relevant classes were informed about the different types of knee deformities (genu valgum, genu varum, and genu recurvatum) and the specific procedures to be conducted with the students.
Participant Selection: A stratified random sampling method was employed to select the student participants from the age group of 6 to 12 years.
Measurements: Under the supervision of their respective class in-charges, the following measurements were taken sequentially for each participant on both legs:
Intercondylar and Intermalleolar Distance: With the child standing erect, the distance between the medial femoral condyles (intercondylar) and the distance between the medial malleoli (intermalleolar) were measured using a measuring tape.
Q Angle: The Q angle was measured using a universal goniometer with the child in a standing position. The stationary arm was aligned with the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the center of the patella, and the moving arm was aligned with the tibial tuberosity to the center of the patella.
Knee Extension Range: The range of motion for knee extension was measured using a universal goniometer while the child was in a standing position, as appropriate. The stationary arm was aligned with the femur, and the moving arm was aligned with the tibia, with the fulcrum placed over the lateral epicondyle of the femur.
Knee Extension Range: The range of motion for knee extension was measured using a universal goniometer while the child was in a standing position, as appropriate. The stationary arm was aligned with the femur, and the moving arm was aligned with the tibia, with the fulcrum placed over the lateral epicondyle of the femur.
Results:
The findings of this cross-sectional study revealed a statistically significant difference in intercondylar distance between genders, with males exhibiting a greater mean intercondylar distance compared to females. Conversely, a statistically significant difference was observed in the Q angle between genders, where females presented with a larger mean Q angle than their male counterparts. These significant gender-based variations in both intercondylar distance and Q angle were identified within the studied population.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this cross-sectional study conducted in Anand City among school-aged children (6-12 years) reveals significant gender-based differences in specific lower limb anthropometric measurements relevant to knee biomechanics. Specifically, males demonstrated a statistically larger intercondylar distance, while females exhibited a statistically greater Q angle. These findings suggest potential gender-specific variations in knee alignment and bony morphology within this pediatric population, which may have implications for understanding the prevalence and development of knee deformities. Further research exploring the clinical significance of these differences and their potential association with the observed prevalence of knee deformities in this age group is warranted.
"Prevalence and gender trends in knee deformities among children aged 6-12 years in Anand City"", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.10, Issue 9, page no.a615-a620, September-2025, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2509074.pdf
Volume 10
Issue 9,
September-2025
Pages : a615-a620
Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_304867
Published Paper Id: IJSDR2509074
Downloads: 000110
Research Area: Health Science All
Country: Anand,gujarat, Gujarat, India
ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator
Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave
