Trendelenburg gait is a common gait abnormality resulting from which condition?

• A. Hip displacement
• B. Knee osteoarthritis
• C. Ankle sprain
• D. Shoulder injury

Answer: (A)

Trendelenburg gait demonstrates weakness of the hip abductors. When you stand on one leg, the gluteus medius and minimus contract to keep the pelvis level. If these muscles are weak or their lever mechanics are disrupted, the pelvis drops on the opposite side during stance, and the person may lean toward the stance leg to compensate. This pattern points to a problem at the hip that affects abductor function or pelvic stability, such as hip displacement. Knee osteoarthritis or ankle sprain involve joints below the hip and don’t produce the characteristic contralateral pelvic drop, and a shoulder injury does not affect gait mechanics.