The Trendelenburg gait pattern, or gluteus medius lurch, is an abnormal gait 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 gait may also be seen in L5 radiculopathy and after poliomyelitis, but is then usually seen in combination with foot drop.
The weakened abductor muscles allow the pelvis to tilt down on the opposite side.
Associated with a waddling gait.
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.
It is precipitated by strain to the gluteus maximus and gluteus minimus.
May be caused by cleidocranial dysostosis.
Biofeedback and physical therapy have been used in treatment.
When the hip abductor muscles, the gluteus medius and minimus, are weak, the stabilizing effect of these muscles during gait is lost.
Patients exhibit an excessive lateral lean in which the thorax is thrust laterally to keep the center of gravity over the stance leg.