CO Gait Analysis & Lower Extremity Biomechanics 2

Question 1

Trendelenburg gait is characterized by which of the following findings during single limb stance?

Accepted Answer

Contralateral pelvic drop on the swing limb side

Answer

In Trendelenburg gait, weak hip abductors on the stance side allow the contralateral pelvis to drop during single limb support.

Question 2

A patient with foot drop (weak or absent dorsiflexors) most commonly exhibits which compensatory gait pattern?

Accepted Answer

Steppage gait

Answer

Steppage gait involves exaggerated hip and knee flexion during swing to clear the foot from the ground when dorsiflexion is absent.

Question 3

Scissor gait, characterized by hip adduction and internal rotation crossing the midline during swing, is most commonly associated with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

Answer

Scissor gait results from bilateral lower extremity spasticity affecting hip adductors and internal rotators, classically seen in spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

Question 4

Antalgic gait is best described as a gait pattern in which:

Accepted Answer

The stance phase is shortened on the painful limb to minimize time bearing weight

Answer

Antalgic gait is a pain-avoidance pattern where the patient minimizes stance time on the affected limb, resulting in an asymmetric, shortened stance phase.

Question 5

A 'vaulting' gait deviation occurs when the patient:

Accepted Answer

Rises onto the toes of the stance limb to provide clearance for the swing limb

Answer

Vaulting is a compensatory strategy where the patient plantar flexes the stance limb to raise the body and provide clearance for a swing limb that cannot shorten adequately.

(CO) Certified Orthotics Specialist Practice Test

(CO) Certified Orthotics Specialist Practice Test

CO Gait Analysis & Lower Extremity Biomechanics 2