During the stance phase of gait, the hip abductors (gluteus medius and minimus) are critical for pelvic stability. If the right gluteus medius is paralyzed, what gait abnormality results when the right foot is on the ground?

• A The pelvis tilts down (drops) on the left side during right stance — Trendelenburg sign positive on left ✓
• B The pelvis tilts down (drops) on the right side during right stance — Trendelenburg sign positive on right
• C The pelvis rotates anteriorly on both sides equally — scissor gait
• D The trunk leans to the left during right stance — compensated Trendelenburg

Explanation

During single-limb stance (right foot on the ground), the right hip abductors (gluteus medius/minimus) contract to hold the pelvis level by pulling the ilium toward the greater trochanter, preventing the opposite (left) side from dropping. When the right gluteus medius is paralyzed, this stabilizing force is absent and the unsupported left side of the pelvis drops — this is the positive Trendelenburg sign (pelvis drops to the opposite/contralateral side of the weak abductor during stance on the affected leg). Compensated Trendelenburg involves trunk lean toward the weak side to shift the center of gravity.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.