Abnormal gait Flashcards
What is the tredelenburg sign?
When pelvis drops to side of raised limb
What causes the tredelenburg sign?
Weakness of paralysis of gluteus medius and minimus muscles
on the opposite limb as the pelvic drop
Right side positive tredelenburg sign means…?
Right-sided pelvic drop
Gluteus medius and minimus on left side are weakened or paralysed
What can lead to weakness or paralysis of gluteus medius and minimus?
Superior gluteal nerve injury
Avulsion fracture of greater trochanter
Hip dislocation
What are the features of tredelenburg gait?
Pelvic drop on one side
Trunk leans over on both sides in turn - in an effort to maintain a steady pelvic level
What is high-steppage gait?
Extra flexion at hip and knee
to raise the foot higher, prevent it from hitting the ground
When is high-steppage gait seen?
With tredelenburg gait - because pelvic drop results in lower limb becoming closer to ground, need to raise it
With common fibular nerve injury - footdrop, need to prevent foot from hitting ground
What is antalgic gait?
Stance phase is shortened relative to swing phase
What causes antalgic gait?
Pain on weight bearing
What is hemiparetic gait?
No leg lift, swinging it forward
instead leg is swung in a lateral arc
What causes hemiparetic gait?
Weakness of that side of body
How is the lower limb positioned in hemiparetic gait?
Extended
Medially rotated
How do you examine for Tredelenburg sign?
Place fingers on ASIS on each side of patient
Patient’s foot on one side is elevated by flexing knee joint
