Trendelenberg’s sign is -ve in an Inter-Trochanteric fracture because of :
**Core Concept**
Trendelenburg's sign is a clinical test used to assess hip abductor function, particularly the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. It is positive when a patient with a unilateral hip disorder (e.g., hip abductor weakness) tilts their pelvis towards the affected side when standing on the affected limb, indicating weakness of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In an inter-trochanteric fracture, the hip abductors are often intact because the fracture is located in the inter-trochanteric region, which does not directly involve the abductor muscles. As a result, the patient does not exhibit hip abductor weakness, and Trendelenburg's sign is negative. The hip abductors are responsible for stabilizing the pelvis and maintaining balance when standing on one leg.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because inter-trochanteric fractures do not typically involve the hip joint or the acetabulum, which are the primary structures being tested by Trendelenburg's sign.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because Trendelenburg's sign is not specifically related to the location of the fracture, but rather the function of the hip abductors. Other types of fractures, such as femoral neck fractures, may also have a negative Trendelenburg's sign if the hip abductors are intact.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is a distractor and does not provide a clear explanation for why Trendelenburg's sign would be negative in an inter-trochanteric fracture.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that Trendelenburg's sign is a test of hip abductor function, and a negative sign does not necessarily indicate a normal hip. It is essential to consider the patient's overall clinical presentation and other diagnostic tests when evaluating hip disorders.
**Correct Answer: A. Inter-trochanteric fractures do not typically involve the hip abductors.**