Hip: antalgic gait: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Hip: antalgic gait

Sample item

A patient with a painful hip walks with a shortened stance phase on the affected side. How is this gait described?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Antalgic gait

In an antalgic gait the patient spends less time bearing weight on the painful limb, so the stance phase on that side is short. In Trendelenburg gait the trunk lurches over the weak hip because of abductor failure. Steppage gait results from foot drop and scissoring from spasticity.

Option by option

  • A. Trendelenburg gait

    Trendelenburg gait results from abductor weakness and not pain alone.

  • B. Scissoring gait

    Scissoring gait is seen in spastic diplegia.

  • C. Steppage gait

    Steppage gait is due to foot drop.

  • D. Antalgic gait (correct)

    Correct. A short stance phase on the painful side defines antalgic gait.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Antalgic gait. In an antalgic gait the patient spends less time bearing weight on the painful limb, so the stance phase on that side is short.

Why is "Trendelenburg gait" not the answer?

Trendelenburg gait results from abductor weakness and not pain alone.

Why is "Scissoring gait" not the answer?

Scissoring gait is seen in spastic diplegia.

Why is "Steppage gait" not the answer?

Steppage gait is due to foot drop.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hip: antalgic gait in Orthopaedics. In Trendelenburg gait the trunk lurches over the weak hip because of abductor failure. Steppage gait results from foot drop and scissoring from spasticity.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Hip: antalgic gait?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.