Trendelenburg test purpose?

Trendelenburg test purpose?

• A. Assesses hip joint alignment during gait.
• B. Measures hip abductor strength at wheelchair transfer.
• C. Detects weakness of the gluteus medius, responsible for stabilising the pelvis in single-leg stance.
• D. Tests ankle plantarflexion strength.

Answer: (C)

The Trendelenburg test evaluates the ability of the hip abductors to stabilize the pelvis during single-leg stance. When you stand on one leg, the stance-side gluteus medius (and minimus) must contract to keep the pelvis level. If these muscles are weak, the pelvis drops on the opposite side, producing a positive Trendelenburg sign. This makes the test a direct measure of gluteus medius strength and its role in maintaining pelvic stability. It isn’t about assessing hip joint alignment during gait, nor is it about hip abductor strength specifically during a wheelchair transfer, and it doesn’t test ankle plantarflexion strength.

The Trendelenburg test evaluates the ability of the hip abductors to stabilize the pelvis during single-leg stance. When you stand on one leg, the stance-side gluteus medius (and minimus) must contract to keep the pelvis level. If these muscles are weak, the pelvis drops on the opposite side, producing a positive Trendelenburg sign. This makes the test a direct measure of gluteus medius strength and its role in maintaining pelvic stability.

It isn’t about assessing hip joint alignment during gait, nor is it about hip abductor strength specifically during a wheelchair transfer, and it doesn’t test ankle plantarflexion strength.