What is the normal tibiofemoral shaft angle in degrees?

The normal tibiofemoral shaft angle, also known as the "Q angle," measures the angle between the femur and the tibia at the knee joint. A healthy knee typically exhibits approximately 6 degrees of valgus. This angle indicates that the tibia is angled slightly outward in relation to the femur when viewed from the front.

This valgus alignment helps to redistribute weight and forces during activities such as walking or running. An understanding of this angle is important in assessing knee function and can help identify potential abnormalities or conditions, such as knock-knees (excessive valgus) or bowlegs (varus alignment). Recognizing the normative range of the tibiofemoral shaft angle is crucial for physical therapists and other healthcare professionals when evaluating knee alignment and function in patients.