Trendelenburg’s Test

What is the "Trendelenburg’s Test" used for?

• Identify weakness of the hip abductors.
• This can be used to assess other mechanical, neurological or spinal disorders, such as the Congenital dislocation of the hip or hip subluxation.

How to perform the "Trendelenburg’s Test"?

• The patient is asked to stand on one leg for 30 seconds without leaning to one side the patient can hold onto something if balance is an issue.
• The examiner observes the patient to see if the pelvis stays level during the single-leg stance.

What is the positive result?

• A positive Trendelenburg Test is indicated if during unilateral weight bearing the pelvis drops toward the unsupported side.
• Several dysfunctions can produce a positive Trendelenburg Test:
  • Weakness of gluteus medius
  • Hip instability and subluxation
  • Hip osteoarthritis
  • Initially post Total Hip Replacement
  • Superior Gluteal Nerve Palsy
  • Lower back pain
  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
  • Congenital hip dislocation
• A Trendelenburg gait can also be observed caused by abductor insufficiency and is characterized by:
  • Pelvic drop in swing phase
  • Trunk side flexion towards the stance limb
  • Hip adduction during stance phase.

References

• Trendelenburg Test | Orthofixar
• Elumalai, Ganesh & Jha, Ameet & Kanagarajan, Palani & Sanyal, Sanjoy. (2016). Soccer Syndrome – 3: Common Sacral Malalignments and Its Manual Diagnostic Techniques. International Journal of Sports Science. 4. 25-37. 10.11648/j.ajss.20160402.12. Link