Correlations between lower limb structures

Abstract

Literature often reports that changes in the Q angle may alter the longitudinal plantar arch and that a misalignment of the rearfoot might also modify forefoot position. However, no studies could be found that quantitatively establish correlations between those lower limb segments in orthostatic bipedal posture. The goal of this study was to quantitatively assess possible correlations between the Q angle, longitudinal plantar arch, frontal forefoot and rearfoot alignment in bipedal orthostatic position, by means of photogrammetry. Thirty individuals (60 lower limbs) of both sexes, aged 18 to 24 years old, were photographed at knee and forefoot anterior frontal plane, rearfoot posterior frontal plane (calcanean tendon), and footprint (by electronic high-resolution podoscopy). Data were statistically analysed and the significance level set at 5%. The following correlations were found: Q angle X plantar arch, r=0.29 (p=0.021); Q angle X forefoot, r=0.23 (p=0.092); Q angle X calcanean tendon, r=0,06 (p=0.627); plantar arch X forefoot, r=0.09 (p=0.464); plantar arch X calcanean tendon, r=-0.05 (v=0.680); and forefoot X calcanean tendon, r=-0,02 (p=0,857). The only significant correlation found, although weak, was between the Q angle and longitudinal medial plantar arch, which suggests cautiousness when inferring correlations between lower limb structures.