**Core Concept**
Trendelenburg's sign is a clinical test used to assess the integrity of the hip abductor muscles, specifically the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. It is typically positive in cases of hip abductor weakness, which can be due to various reasons such as hip abductor muscle paralysis, hip dislocation, or fractures affecting the hip abductor mechanism.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In an inter-trochanteric fracture, the hip abductor mechanism remains intact. The fracture occurs outside the joint capsule and does not directly involve the hip abductor muscles. As a result, the hip abductors continue to function normally, and Trendelenburg's sign remains negative. This is because the inter-trochanteric region is outside the hip joint, and the fracture does not disrupt the hip abductor mechanism.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect because an inter-trochanteric fracture does not necessarily involve the hip joint, and the hip abductor mechanism remains intact.
**Option B:** Incorrect because there is no direct involvement of the hip abductor muscles in an inter-trochanteric fracture.
**Option C:** Incorrect because the hip abductor mechanism is not directly affected by an inter-trochanteric fracture.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that the presence or absence of Trendelenburg's sign is crucial in assessing hip abductor function. A positive Trendelenburg's sign can indicate hip abductor weakness, which may be due to various reasons such as hip abductor muscle paralysis, hip dislocation, or fractures affecting the hip abductor mechanism.
**Correct Answer:** None of the above.
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