What does a positive Trendelenburg test indicate?

A positive Trendelenburg test demonstrates that the hip abductors are not functioning owing to weakness or pain inhibition, and are unable to perform their role of stabilising the pelvis on the weight-bearing leg.

Why would damage to the superior gluteal nerve cause a positive Trendelenburg sign?

When the patient is standing on one leg, the opposite pelvis should be lifted upwards by abduction of the ipsilateral hip joint. When the abductors are weak due to superior gluteal nerve paresis, the pelvis will sag which is the basis of the positive Trendelenburg sign.

Which muscle is damaged in Trendelenburg?

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 correct Trendelenburg gait?

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.

Which nerve is affected in Trendelenburg?

superior gluteal nerve
Many times, the muscle weakness that causes the Trendelenburg gait starts with damage to the superior gluteal nerve, which originates in the pelvis and ends in the gluteus minimus muscle. When this nerve is damaged, it’s hard for the affected side to support the weight of the body.

What happens if the superior gluteal nerve is injured?

Injury to the superior gluteal nerve results in characteristic motor loss that manifests as a disabling gluteus medius limp more commonly known as a Trendelenburg or gluteal gait. Weakness of the gluteus medius muscle shifts the center of gravity to the non-affected limb producing the gait.

How does Trendelenburg test work?

This type of gait is known as the Trendelenburg gait. The examiner asks the patient to walk a short distance. In a normal gait, the body shifts the weight to the stance leg, allowing the center of gravity to shift as well, which stabilizes the body.

What muscles does Trendelenburg test?

Trendelenburg gait occurs when your hip abductor muscles are very weak. This muscle group includes the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles, located in the area of your butt. When these muscles are not strong enough, your pelvis will droop on the opposite side of the body from the affected muscles.