Musculoskeletal SystemDifficulty 3/5
A patient shows a lateral trunk lean over the stance limb during gait. Which impairment most likely explains this compensation?
- AWeak ankle dorsiflexors causing a steppage pattern in swing
- BKnee-extension contracture limiting stance-phase flexion
- CWeak hip abductors on the stance side, compensated by shifting the trunk
- DWeak hip flexors on the swing side, shortening the step length
Show answer and rationale
Correct: C. Lateral trunk lean over the stance limb is compensated Trendelenburg: the trunk shifts to move the centre of mass over the weak side and reduce the demand on the hip abductors.
- D — Weak hip flexors shorten step length rather than producing trunk lean.
- A — Dorsiflexor weakness produces steppage or foot slap in swing.
- B — An extension contracture alters knee motion rather than trunk position.