HALLUX VALGUS DEFORMITY AND QUADRICEPS ANGLE AMONG FEMALE MEDICAL STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Hallux valgus and quadriceps angle remain choice of study for various researchers. Hallux valgus prevalence has been studied among females and patients with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, but its association with other biomechanical factors is still questionable like quadriceps angle and shoe wear characteristics. The objective as to determine the frequency of hallux valgus deformity and its association with quadriceps angle among female undergraduate students. This cross sectional study was conducted among 300 undergraduate female students of different department of Dow University of Health Sciences. The written informed consent was taken. A self-designed questionnaire was distributed to the participants and anthropometric variables i.e. height and weight was measured Universal goniometer was used to measure the hallux valgus angle and quadriceps angle. Data was entered into Statistical package for social sciences version 21.0. Chi square test was applied to check the association of hallux valgus with high heel and narrow toe box . The normality data was not normally distributed so spearmen test was used. The Mann Whitney U test employed, the significance p- value is less than 0.05. The results showed mean (SD)of age, weight and height showed 21.79(1.33) years, 52.8(9.55) kg and 156.17(7.14) inches respectively. Mean (SD) of right and left hallux valgus angles were 8.22(3.79) and 8.47(4.17) degree and right and left quadriceps angle were 21.79(1.33) and 52.8(9.55) degree. Frequency of hallux valgus was 14(4.7%). Right hallux valgus and quadriceps angle showed positive weak correlation. Non significant correlation was found between left hallux valgus and quadriceps angle. Findings suggest hallux valgux deformity is less frequent among undergraduate university students. However, quadriceps angle has no effects on hallux valgus angle. It is suggested to evaluate further studies for these angles association with other biomechanical factors