Abnormal Gait

Question 1

lateral trunk bending

Answer 1

hip and or knee pathology

Question 2

anterior trunk bending

Answer 2

knee pathology

Question 3

posterior trunk bending

Answer 3

glute max weakness/hip pathology

Question 4

circumduction

Answer 4

limb length inequality

Question 5

hip hiking

Answer 5

limb length inequality

Question 6

steppage

Answer 6

Limb length inequality

Question 7

vaulting

Answer 7

limb length inequality

Question 8

excessive knee extension

Answer 8

quadriceps weakness

Question 9

excessive knee flexion

Answer 9

quadriceps weakness or knee pathology

Question 10

inadequate dorsiflexion control

Answer 10

ankle dorsiflexor weakness

Question 11

insufficient push-off

Answer 11

ankle plantarflexor weakness/pathology

Question 12

Lateral Trunk bending

Answer 12

the trunk moves sideways over the supporting leg
this reduces the trunks lever arm about the hip joint
In turn, this reduces the moment it is generating
The abductors do not need to generate such a high moment
The forces in the abductors and hip joint are reduced

Question 13

The use of a cane

Answer 13

The force throught the cane acts ast the shoulder
as it ahs a long lever arm the modest force generates a large moment at the hip
The hip abductors do not need to generate such a high moment
The forces in the abductors and hip joint are reduced

Question 14

Anterior Trunk bending

Answer 14

Brings line of force in front of the knee around initial contact
compensates for weak knee extensors (typically seen after knee surgeries)

Question 15

Posterior trunk bending

Answer 15

Brings line of force behind hip joint around initial contact

compensates for weak hip extensors

Question 16

leg too short in stance

Answer 16

unable to
extend at hip
extend at knee
plantarflex at ankle

Question 17

leg too long in stance

Answer 17

unable to
flex at hip
flex at knee
dorsiflex at ankle

Question 18

compensations

Answer 18

circumduction
hip hiking
steppage
vaulting

Question 19

Circumduction

Answer 19

• the swinging leg moves forward in a wide arc, instead of a straight line
• compensates for a short leg on the stance phase side

Question 20

Hip Hiking

Answer 20

a compensation for functional length inequality

to make more room for the swinging leg, the hip is lifted on that side

Question 21

Steppage

Answer 21

Exaggerated hip and knee flexion

Often used to compensate for plantarflexed ankle

Question 22

Vaulting

pediatric population

Answer 22

Ankle is plantarflexed on stance phase side “going up on tiptoe”
compensates for excessive length of swing phase leg

Question 23

Excessive knee extension is seen with

Answer 23

Quadriceps paralysis
riceps surae paralysis
above the knee amputation

Question 24

Excessive knee flexion is seen with

Answer 24

flexion contracture of the knee (after TKA)
spasticity of the knee flexors
flexion contracture of the hip

Question 25

excessive knee flexion (in late stance phase) is seen with

Answer 25

Hip flexion contracture prevents hip from extending

Increased knee flexion permits body to pass in front of foot,

Question 26

Inadequate doesiflexion control is seen

Answer 26

Cause 
anterior tibial weakness (or any dorsiflexor)
Signs
Foot Slap
Toe Drag

Question 27

Insufficient Push-Off is seen with

Answer 27

Weakness of Triceps Surae
Ruptured Achilles tendon
Foot weakness or deformity
Pain under forefoot(ex.turf toe)