Trendelenburg gait after a superior gluteal nerve palsy is due to paralysis of which muscle?

• A Gluteus maximus
• B Piriformis
• C Tensor fascia lata only
• D Gluteus medius and minimus ✓

Explanation

The superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1) supplies gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fascia lata. Gluteus medius and minimus abduct the hip and crucially stabilize the pelvis during the single-limb stance phase of walking. With their paralysis, the pelvis drops on the opposite side when the contralateral foot is raised—the Trendelenburg sign. The positive Trendelenburg test (pelvis dips to the swing leg side) indicates weakness on the stance leg side.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.