DITHM - Prac Exam - Gait Observations

Question 1

What causes a Quadricep (weakness) gait?

Answer 1

Hyperextended Knee: The knee is locked in extension during the stance phase, relying on passive structures like ligaments and joint capsule for stability.

Circumduction: To clear the foot during swing phase, the affected leg may swing outwards in a circular motion (circumduction).

Forward Trunk Lean: The person may lean their trunk forward to shift their center of gravity over the locked knee, aiding in maintaining balance.

Shortened Stride Length: The inability to bend the knee results in a shorter step length on the affected side.

Question 2

What causes the Varus thrust gait?

Answer 2

It typically occurs as the affected leg bears weight, causing the knee to bow outwards, and then corrects itself as the weight shifts towards the end of the stance phase.

This abnormal movement places increased stress on the medial (inner) compartment of the knee joint

Question 3

What causes the Waddling Gait?

Answer 3

The underlying causes of a waddling gait are typically related to conditions that affect the muscles or nerves controlling the hip and pelvic region.

Difficulty walking or maintaining balance: The weakness in the pelvic muscles can make walking more challenging and increase the risk of falls.

Pain or discomfort in the hips or lower back: Depending on the underlying cause, there may be associated pain or discomfort in the affected areas.

Question 4

What causes an Antalgic gate?

Answer 4

Shortened Stance Phase: The time spent bearing weight on the affected leg is reduced to minimize pain.

Reduced Stride
Length: The steps on the affected side tend to be shorter than those on the unaffected side.

Uneven Weight Distribution: The individual shifts their weight to the unaffected leg to avoid pain on the affected side.

Trunk Lean: The trunk may lean towards the unaffected side to further reduce weight-bearing on the painful limb.

Arm Swing Asymmetry: The arm swing may be reduced on the affected side to compensate for the altered gait pattern.

Question 5

What causes a Gluteus Maximus Weakness Gait?

Answer 5

Backward trunk lurch:
As the affected leg enters the stance phase (heel strike), the trunk lurches backward to compensate for the weak gluteus maximus.
This shifts the center of gravity posteriorly, reducing the demand on the weakened muscle to extend the hip.

Reduced hip extension:
Weakness of the gluteus maximus leads to difficulty actively extending the hip during push-off, resulting in a less powerful stride.

Increased lumbar lordosis:
The backward trunk lurch may be accompanied by an exaggerated inward curve of the lower back (lumbar lordosis) to further assist in maintaining balance.

Question 6

What causes Hip Flexor Weakness Gait?

Answer 6

Circumduction: To compensate for inadequate hip flexion, the person may swing their leg outwards in a circular motion (circumduction) to clear the foot during swing phase.

Posterior Pelvic Tilt: A backward tilt of the pelvis may occur during the swing phase to help advance the leg forward.

Reduced Knee Flexion: The knee may not bend as much as usual during the swing phase due to difficulty lifting the leg.

Shortened Stride Length: The inability to effectively flex the hip can result in a shorter step length on the affected side.