In a positive Trendelenburg sign, the pelvis drops on which side during single-leg stance?

Prepare for the Medbridge Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Test. Test your knowledge with multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Ace your exam with ease!

Multiple Choice

In a positive Trendelenburg sign, the pelvis drops on which side during single-leg stance?

Explanation:
The sign tests hip abductor control during single-leg stance. When you stand on one leg, the gluteus medius and minimus of that leg contract to keep the pelvis level. If those abductors are weak, gravity pulls the pelvis down on the opposite side, so the pelvis drops on the non-stance side. Therefore, the pelvis drops on the contralateral side to the stance leg. The other options aren’t correct because the drop occurs opposite the standing limb, not on the same (ipsilateral) side, and the terms superior or inferior don’t describe this lateral tilt. For example, stand on the right leg and observe for a left-sided drop.

The sign tests hip abductor control during single-leg stance. When you stand on one leg, the gluteus medius and minimus of that leg contract to keep the pelvis level. If those abductors are weak, gravity pulls the pelvis down on the opposite side, so the pelvis drops on the non-stance side. Therefore, the pelvis drops on the contralateral side to the stance leg. The other options aren’t correct because the drop occurs opposite the standing limb, not on the same (ipsilateral) side, and the terms superior or inferior don’t describe this lateral tilt. For example, stand on the right leg and observe for a left-sided drop.

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