Trendelenburg gait - observable features. Which feature is commonly observed?

Trendelenburg gait - observable features. Which feature is commonly observed?

• A. Pelvis drops toward the non-weight-bearing side during stance.
• B. Stance hip may appear adducted.
• C. Step width may increase to improve stability.
• D. Pelvis rises on the stance side.

Answer: (C)

Weakness of the stance-side hip abductors (gluteus medius/minimus) lets the pelvis tilt toward the swing leg during walking. To compensate and maintain balance, people often widen their base of support, so step width increases. This broader stance is a common, observable feature of Trendelenburg gait because it directly helps keep the body’s center of gravity over the feet. The pelvis dropping toward the non-weight-bearing side is a sign of the underlying weakness, but the most noticeable gait adaptation is the wider step width. The other features are not typical compensations seen in this gait pattern.

Weakness of the stance-side hip abductors (gluteus medius/minimus) lets the pelvis tilt toward the swing leg during walking. To compensate and maintain balance, people often widen their base of support, so step width increases. This broader stance is a common, observable feature of Trendelenburg gait because it directly helps keep the body’s center of gravity over the feet. The pelvis dropping toward the non-weight-bearing side is a sign of the underlying weakness, but the most noticeable gait adaptation is the wider step width. The other features are not typical compensations seen in this gait pattern.