Steppage gait is described as which?

Steppage gait is described as which?

• A. Prolonged stance phase
• B. Minimal hip movement
• C. Decreased knee flexion during swing
• D. Excessive hip and knee flexion due to foot drop

Answer: (D)

Steppage gait happens when dorsiflexion is weak, causing foot drop. To clear the toes during the swing phase, the leg is lifted higher, and the knee and hip bend more than usual. That combination—excessive hip and knee flexion to clear a dropped foot—defines steppage gait. Other patterns don’t fit: prolonging the stance phase isn’t the signature of steppage, minimal hip movement doesn’t describe the extra lifting, and decreased knee flexion during swing would reduce foot clearance rather than increase it.

Steppage gait happens when dorsiflexion is weak, causing foot drop. To clear the toes during the swing phase, the leg is lifted higher, and the knee and hip bend more than usual. That combination—excessive hip and knee flexion to clear a dropped foot—defines steppage gait.

Other patterns don’t fit: prolonging the stance phase isn’t the signature of steppage, minimal hip movement doesn’t describe the extra lifting, and decreased knee flexion during swing would reduce foot clearance rather than increase it.