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final-review 47
abnormal gait
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Antalgic: | A protective gait pattern where the involved step length is decreased in order to avoid weight bearing on the involved side usually secondary to pain. |
Ataxic: | A gait pattern characterized by staggering and unsteadiness. There is usually a wide base of support and movements are exaggerated. |
Cerebellar: | A staggering gait pattern seen in cerebellar disease. |
Circumduction: | A gait pattern characterized by a circular motion to advance the leg during swing phase; this may be used to compensate for insufficient hip or knee flexion or dorsiflexion. |
Double step: | A gait pattern in which alternate steps are of a different length or at a different rate. |
Equine: | A gait pattern characterized by high steps; usually involves excessive activity of the gastrocnemius. |
Festinating: | A gait pattern where a patient walks on toes as though pushed. It starts slowly, increases, and may continue until the patient grasps an object in order to stop. |
Hemiplegic: | A gait pattern in which patients abduct the paralyzed limb, swing it around, and bring it forward so the foot comes to the ground in front of them. |
Parkinsonian: | A gait pattern marked by increased forward flexion of the trunk and knees; gait is shuffling with quick and small steps; festinating may occur. |
Scissor: | A gait pattern in which the legs cross midline upon advancement. |
Spastic: | A gait pattern with stiff movement, toes seeming to catch and drag, legs held together, hip and knee joints slightly flexed. Commonly seen in spastic paraplegia. |
Steppage: | A gait pattern in which the feet and toes are lifted through hip and knee flexion to excessive heights; usually secondary to dorsiflexor weakness. The foot will slap at initial contact with the ground secondary to the decreased control. |
Tabetic: | A high stepping ataxic gait pattern in which the feet slap the ground. |
Trendelenburg: | A gait pattern that denotes gluteus medius weakness; excessive lateral trunk flexion and weight shifting over the stance leg. |
Vaulting: | A gait pattern where the swing leg advances by compensating through the combination of elevation of the pelvis and plantar flexion of the stance leg. |