DPM Biomechanics & Gait Analysis 3

Question 1

Steppage gait is most commonly associated with weakness of which muscle group?

Accepted Answer

Ankle dorsiflexors

Answer

Steppage gait results from foot drop due to weak dorsiflexors; patients exaggerate hip and knee flexion to clear the toes during swing.

Question 2

When analyzing a patient's center of pressure (COP) path during stance, a lateral COP pathway throughout the entire contact period most suggests:

Accepted Answer

Subtalar joint supination / insufficient pronation

Answer

A laterally deviated COP path throughout stance indicates supinatory posture, consistent with conditions like pes cavus or subtalar varus.

Question 3

The 'apparent leg length discrepancy' most commonly results from:

Accepted Answer

Pelvic obliquity or soft tissue contracture

Answer

Apparent leg length discrepancy arises from non-skeletal causes such as pelvic obliquity, hip adductor contracture, or scoliosis rather than true bone length differences.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the oblique axis of the midtarsal joint?

Accepted Answer

Runs medially, superiorly, and anteriorly allowing sagittal and transverse plane motions

Answer

The oblique midtarsal axis is oriented medially, superiorly, and anteriorly, producing combined sagittal and transverse plane motion (plantarflexion-adduction / dorsiflexion-abduction).

Question 5

During the push-off phase, the first metatarsophalangeal joint must dorsiflex approximately how many degrees for normal propulsion?

Accepted Answer

65–75°

Answer

Normal propulsive push-off requires approximately 65–75° of first MTP dorsiflexion to allow effective windlass engagement and forward progression.

(DPM) Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Practice Test

(DPM) Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Practice Test

DPM Biomechanics & Gait Analysis 3