What does Trendelenburg sign indicate?

Definition/Introduction Trendelenburg sign is a physical examination finding seen when assessing for any dysfunction of the hip. A positive Trendelenburg sign usually indicates weakness in the hip abductor muscles consisting of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.

What does the Trendelenburg test for?

The Trendelenburg test is used to evaluate for weak or injured gluteus medius and minimus muscles. It begins with the patient in a neutral stance. The physician is seated behind the patient with his or her hands placed behind the patient’s hips with the thumbs resting on the posterior superior iliac spine.

What does trendelenburg gait mean?

A trendelenburg gait is an abnormal gait resulting from a defective hip abductor mechanism. The primary musculature involved is the gluteal musculature, including the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles. The weakness of these muscles causes drooping of the pelvis to the contralateral side while walking.

How do you use Trendelenburg?

To perform the test the patient stands on the unaffected leg and flexes the other knee to a right-angle. The pelvis should remain level or tilt up slightly on the non-weight-bearing side. The patient then stands on the affected leg and flexes the knee of the other leg.

What does Trendelenburg look like?

A trendelenburg gait is characterized by trunk shift over the affected hip during stance and away during the swing phase of gait and it is best visualized from behind or in front of the patient. During gait, the pelvis tilts downwards instead of upwards on the non-weight bearing extremity.

How is Trendelenburg diagnosed?

The test is negative when the hip of the leg that is lifted, will also go up i.e., hiking of hip or the pelvis tilts upwards. The test is positive, when there is a drop of the hip or a downwards tilt of the pelvis. X-ray is the best way to diagnose or confirm the trendelenburg pathology.

Can Trendelenburg gait be fixed?

Trendelenburg gait can be disruptive, but it’s often treatable with special shoes or exercises designed to strengthen your hip abductor muscles. If an underlying condition, such as osteoarthritis or muscular dystrophy, is causing this gait, your doctor will help you develop a treatment plan.

How is Trendelenburg named?

Trendelenburg’s sign is found in people with weak or paralyzed abductor muscles of the hip, namely gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. It is named after the German surgeon Friedrich Trendelenburg.

Can Trendelenburg gait be corrected?

What does Trendelenburg gait look like?

How do you check Trendelenburg gait?

To do this, your doctor will instruct you to lift one leg for at least 30 seconds. If you’re unable to keep your hips parallel with the ground while you lift, it may be a sign of Trendelenburg gait. Your doctor may also use X-rays of your hip to identify causes of weakness in the gluteus minimus or medius.

How do I stop Trendelenburg?

Physical therapy and exercise

1. lying on your side and extending your leg straight out.
2. lying on the floor and moving one leg up, over the other, and back in the opposite direction.
3. stepping sideways and up onto an elevated surface, then back down again.