Orthopedic Biomechanics — MCQs

Question 21: Antalgic hip gait is related to which of the following?

• A. Painful hip gait (Correct Answer)
• B. Trendelenberg gait
• C. Waddling gait
• D. Short leg gait

Explanation: ***Painful hip gait*** - An **antalgic gait** is a deviation from a normal gait pattern caused by pain, most commonly experienced in the hip or knee. - The individual attempts to **minimize the time spent bearing weight** on the painful limb, resulting in a shortened stance phase on the affected side. *Waddling gait* - This gait is characterized by a **broad base** and a **swaying motion** from side to side, often due to weakness in the hip abductor muscles. - While sometimes seen in hip pathologies, it's not synonymous with an antalgic gait, which is specifically pain-driven. *Trendelenberg gait* - This gait occurs due to weakness of the **hip abductor muscles** (gluteus medius and minimus) on the stance leg, causing the pelvis to drop on the swing leg side. - It's a compensatory mechanism for muscle weakness, not directly caused by pain. *Short leg gait* - This gait arises from a **discrepancy in leg length**, leading to compensatory mechanisms like hip hiking or circumduction to clear the shorter limb during swing phase. - While it can lead to secondary pain, the primary cause is a structural difference, not acute pain influencing the weight-bearing phase.