How is the Trendelenburg Test performed?

• A. Patient lying flat on their back with legs elevated
• B. Patient standing and lifting one leg while holding onto support
• C. Patient walking a straight line
• D. Patient seated and performing leg raises

Answer: (B)

The Trendelenburg Test is specifically designed to assess the ability of the hip abductor muscles, primarily the gluteus medius, to stabilize the pelvis when one leg is lifted. In this test, the patient stands and lifts one leg while holding onto support for balance. This position requires the individual to maintain stability through the supporting leg, putting the hip abductors of that leg to the test.

When the pelvis does not remain level during the test, it may indicate weakness or dysfunction in the hip abductors on the side of the lifted leg, causing a downward tilt of the pelvis on the unsupported side. This can help in diagnosing issues related to hip stability, which can be relevant in various clinical scenarios.

The other options do not assess hip abductor muscle function in the same manner as the Trendelenburg Test. While lying flat, walking, or raising legs from a seated position may involve the lower extremities, they do not specifically isolate the hip abductor muscles or evaluate pelvic stability in relation to weight bearing on one leg.