Gait abnormalities
Normal Walking Requires:
- Locomotor generator - C.N.S
- Two legs the same length
- Joints that are not stiff
- Power
See Gait Analysis
Causes of Limp (abnormal gait) in Childhood:
1. Short Leg Limp
- Difficult to discern at maturity If discrepancy is less than 2cm
- Limp may be disguised by pelvic tilt, holding ankle of short leg in equinus and hip and knee of long leg in flexion
2. Antalgic Limp
- Stance phase shortened
- More gentle heel-strike in painful limb
3. Unstable Hip Limp - Trendelenburg Gait
- Instability may result from changes in
- 1. Fulcrum - DDH
- 2. Lever - short neck
- 3. Motor - gluteus medius weakness e.g. polio, OP
4. Stiff Hip Gait
- Increased motion of pelvis on lumbar spine during swing
- N.B.- limp minimal if hip stiff (fused) in 25o flexion
5. Stiff Knee Gait
- Pelvis raised during swing phase so heel will clear floor
6. Gluteus Maximus Weakness
- Hip In hyperextension so centre of gravity behind joint
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Lower Limb
