What are the normal Q angles for men and women?

The Q angle, or quadriceps angle, is formed by the intersection of two lines: one that runs from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the center of the patella and another from the center of the patella to the center of the tibial tuberosity. The normal Q angles are indeed different between men and women due to anatomical differences such as pelvic width.

For men, a normal Q angle is typically around 13 degrees, while for women, it is usually about 18 degrees. This difference is attributed to women generally having a wider pelvis, which increases the angle of the femur to the tibia when viewed from the front. This is significant in understanding the biomechanics of the knee joint and can have implications for conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome and other knee-related issues.

The values given in the chosen answer align closely with standard anatomical references, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these normative measurements when assessing patients for potential alignment issues or injuries.