What is the typical angle for coxa vara?

Prepare for the NPTE Musculoskeletal Exam with comprehensive questions and detailed explanations to boost your confidence and knowledge. Sharpen your skills and ace the exam!

Coxa vara is a condition characterized by an abnormal reduction in the angle made between the neck and shaft of the femur, specifically when this angle falls below the typical range seen in a healthy hip joint. The normal angle, known as the femoral neck-shaft angle, typically ranges from about 125 to 135 degrees in adults. When the angle is less than 115 degrees, it indicates coxa vara. This decrease in angle can lead to a variety of mechanical issues and altered biomechanics during activities such as walking or running, potentially causing joint pain or lower extremity dysfunction.

The other ranges provided do not correctly represent coxa vara: angles greater than 130 degrees indicate coxa valga, while angles between 120 and 125 degrees are still considered within a normal or borderline range that does not define coxa vara. Thus, coxa vara specifically describes an angle that is significantly less than the normal physiological range.

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