Understanding the Trendelenburg Sign Assessment
To assess the functional strength of the **Hip Abductors**, primarily the **Gluteus Medius** muscle.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is standing equally on both feet.
What happens?
The patient is instructed to **stand on one leg** (the stance leg) for 10 seconds, lifting the foot of the unsupported leg off the ground.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
The **pelvis drops down** on the **unsupported side** (the side that is off the ground). This indicates **weakness of the hip abductors** (Gluteus Medius) on the **stance leg** (the side bearing weight).
Helpful Tip:
A positive sign results in a compensatory shift of the trunk toward the stance leg to maintain balance.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other Hip/SI Joint Tests
Gaenslen Test
To assess for dysfunction or pathology of the **Sacroiliac (SI) Joint** or hip pathology (less specific).
Patrick's Test (FABER: Flexion, Abduction, External Rotation)
To assess for pathology in the **hip joint** (e.g., OA or labral tear) or the **Sacroiliac (SI) joint**.
Posterior Shear Test (or Posterior Thigh Thrust)
To assess for dysfunction of the **Sacroiliac (SI) Joint**, specifically a posterior shearing force.