Trendelenbergs test is positive in injury to: September 2012
**Core Concept**
Trendelenburg's test is a clinical assessment tool used to evaluate the integrity of the hip abductors, specifically the gluteus medius muscle. It is a dynamic test that assesses the stability of the pelvis during weight-bearing activities.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
During the test, the patient is asked to stand on one leg, and the examiner observes the movement of the pelvis. A positive Trendelenburg's sign is observed when the pelvis on the opposite side of the standing leg drops, indicating weakness of the hip abductors, particularly the gluteus medius muscle. This is because the gluteus medius muscle plays a crucial role in stabilizing the pelvis during single-leg stance.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Injury to the hip flexors would not directly affect the gluteus medius muscle or the stability of the pelvis during single-leg stance.
* **Option B:** Injury to the knee ligaments may affect the patient's ability to stand on one leg, but it would not directly cause a positive Trendelenburg's sign.
* **Option C:** Injury to the ankle would not affect the hip abductors or the stability of the pelvis during single-leg stance.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A positive Trendelenburg's sign can also be seen in conditions such as hip arthritis, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, or muscle weakness due to neurological disorders.
**Correct Answer: C. Injury to the ankle would not affect the hip abductors or the stability of the pelvis during single-leg stance.**