During Trendelenburg test, which finding indicates gluteus medius weakness?

During Trendelenburg test, which finding indicates gluteus medius weakness?

• A. Dropping of contralateral pelvis indicates gluteus medius weakness.
• B. Trunk lean toward stance leg indicates compensatory weakness.
• C. Ipsilateral pelvis drop indicates piriformis syndrome.
• D. Pelvic tilt indicates hip flexor tightness.

Answer: (A)

The Trendelenburg test checks the function of the hip abductors, mainly the gluteus medius, to keep the pelvis level during a one‑leg stance. When the stance‑leg gluteus medius is weak, it cannot hold the pelvis up on the opposite side, so the pelvis drops on the contralateral side. That dropping of the opposite side pelvis is the clearest sign of gluteus medius weakness, making it the best indicator among the options. Trunk leaning toward the stance leg can occur as a compensatory effort to maintain balance when hip abductors are weak, but it’s a secondary sign rather than the primary indicator. An ipsilateral pelvis drop isn’t the typical pattern for this weakness, and pelvic tilt is usually related to tight hip flexors or other issues rather than pure gluteus medius weakness.

The Trendelenburg test checks the function of the hip abductors, mainly the gluteus medius, to keep the pelvis level during a one‑leg stance. When the stance‑leg gluteus medius is weak, it cannot hold the pelvis up on the opposite side, so the pelvis drops on the contralateral side. That dropping of the opposite side pelvis is the clearest sign of gluteus medius weakness, making it the best indicator among the options.

Trunk leaning toward the stance leg can occur as a compensatory effort to maintain balance when hip abductors are weak, but it’s a secondary sign rather than the primary indicator. An ipsilateral pelvis drop isn’t the typical pattern for this weakness, and pelvic tilt is usually related to tight hip flexors or other issues rather than pure gluteus medius weakness.