Hip
Functional / Strength
Evidence: confirmed
Trendelenburg's Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Identifying weakness of the Gluteus Medius (Hip Abductors).
How to Perform
- Action: Patient stands on one leg (the affected leg) for 30 seconds.
- Observation: Watch the pelvis level.
Interpretation of Results
- Negative (Normal): The pelvis on the non-stance side rises slightly.
- Positive: The pelvis on the non-stance (unsupported) side drops, indicating the stance leg abductors are too weak to stabilize the pelvis.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Trendelenburg's Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Hip region, combining the Trendelenburg's Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
