Trendelenburg gait
Encyclopedia
The Trendelenburg gait pattern (or gluteus medius lurch) is an abnormal gait
(as with walking) caused by weakness of the abductor muscles of the lower limb
, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. People with a lesion of superior gluteal nerve have weakness of abducting the thigh at the hip. This type of gait may also be seen in L5 radiculopathy
and after poliomyelitis
, but is then usually seen in combination with foot drop.
During the stance
phase, the weakened abductor muscles allow the pelvis to tilt down on the opposite side. To compensate, the trunk lurches to the weakened side to attempt to maintain a level pelvis throughout the gait cycle. The pelvis sags on the opposite side of the lesioned superior gluteal nerve.
This gait is precipitated by strain to the gluteus maximus and gluteus minimus. Sufferers frequently complain that an overly strenuous session at the gym—particularly with glute-isolating equipment—result in this awkward gait, or worse.
Biofeedback
and physical therapy
have been used in treatment.
Gait (human)
Human gait is the way locomotion is achieved using human limbs. Different gaits are characterized by differences in limb movement patterns, overall velocity, forces, kinetic and potential energy cycles, and changes in the contact with the surface .- Foot strike :One variable in different gaits is...
(as with walking) caused by weakness of the abductor muscles of the lower limb
Lower limb
The lower limb is a limb of the body.According to Terminologia Anatomica, it includes the pelvic girdle, buttocks, hip, and thigh, as well as the components distal to the knee.-References:...
, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. People with a lesion of superior gluteal nerve have weakness of abducting the thigh at the hip. This type of gait may also be seen in L5 radiculopathy
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy is not a specific condition, but rather a description of a problem in which one or more nerves are affected and do not work properly . The emphasis is on the nerve root...
and after poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis, often called polio or infantile paralysis, is an acute viral infectious disease spread from person to person, primarily via the fecal-oral route...
, but is then usually seen in combination with foot drop.
During the stance
Stance
Stance is a morpheme meaning stand, used in several ways:* to take a position in an argument, a stand on a given issue;* refers to a particular standing postureThere are also a wide variety of stances adopted in martial arts and sports:* boxing stances...
phase, the weakened abductor muscles allow the pelvis to tilt down on the opposite side. To compensate, the trunk lurches to the weakened side to attempt to maintain a level pelvis throughout the gait cycle. The pelvis sags on the opposite side of the lesioned superior gluteal nerve.
This gait is precipitated by strain to the gluteus maximus and gluteus minimus. Sufferers frequently complain that an overly strenuous session at the gym—particularly with glute-isolating equipment—result in this awkward gait, or worse.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is the process of becoming aware of various physiological functions using instruments that provide information on the activity of those same systems, with a goal of being able to manipulate them at will...
and physical therapy
Physical therapy
Physical therapy , often abbreviated PT, is a health care profession. Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment/intervention,and rehabilitation...
have been used in treatment.
See also
- Gait abnormalityGait abnormalityGait abnormality is a deviation from normal walking . Watching a patient walk is the most important part of the neurological examination. Normal gait requires that many systems, including strength, sensation and coordination, function in an integrated fashion...
- Trendelenburg positionTrendelenburg positionIn the Trendelenburg position the body is laid flat on the back with the feet higher than the head by 15-30 degrees, in contrast to the reverse Trendelenburg position, where the body is tilted in the opposite direction. This is a standard position used in abdominal and gynecological surgery...
- Trendelenburg's signTrendelenburg's signTrendelenburg's sign is found in people with weak or paralyzed abductor muscles of the hip, namely gluteus medius and minimus. It is named after the German surgeon Friedrich Trendelenburg....
- Snapping hip syndromeSnapping hip syndromeSnapping hip syndrome is a medical condition characterized by a snapping sensation felt when the hip is flexed and extended. This may be accompanied by an audible snapping or popping noise and pain or discomfort. Pain often decreases with rest and diminished activity...
- Friedrich TrendelenburgFriedrich TrendelenburgFriedrich Trendelenburg was a German surgeon. He was son of the philosopher Friedrich Adolf Trendelenburg, father of the pharmacologist Paul Trendelenburg and grandfather of the pharmacologist Ullrich Georg Trendelenburg.Trendelenburg was born in Berlin and studied medicine at the University of...