Trendelenburgmerkkiä

Trendelenburgmerkkiä, also known as the Trendelenburg sign, is a physical examination finding that indicates weakness in the hip abductor muscles, primarily the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, on the affected side. When a patient stands on their affected leg, the pelvis on the opposite side drops. This occurs because the weakened abductor muscles on the supporting side are unable to stabilize the pelvis, causing it to tilt downwards. The examiner typically observes this by asking the patient to stand on one leg, or by observing the pelvic tilt during gait. A positive Trendelenburg sign is often associated with conditions such as hip osteoarthritis, developmental dysplasia of the hip, and neurological conditions affecting the hip abductor muscles. It can also be a consequence of surgical procedures involving the hip. The severity of the pelvic drop can vary, providing an indication of the degree of muscle weakness. This sign is a crucial component in the assessment of hip joint function and can guide further diagnostic investigations and treatment strategies.