The Q angle is measured from the anterior superior iliac spine of the pelvis to the center of the patella (patella) and from the tibial tuberosity to the center of the patella; the angle measured between the intersection of the two lines above the knee gives the angle Q. Increasing the angle Q can result in increased valgus stress on the knee joint when running certain maneuvers such as landing after a jump (1). Q angle alone has not been proven to be an indicator of the likelihood of ACL tears in women. Only when considered with hamstring and quadriceps strength, recruiting ratio, and landing mechanics does the Q angle begin to become a variable to consider.

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