Which test best indicates a superior gluteal nerve injury?

Which test best indicates a superior gluteal nerve injury?

• A. Positive Trendelenburg sign indicating gluteus medius weakness
• B. Straight leg raise test
• C. McMurray test
• D. Lachman test

Answer: (A)

The key idea is hip abductor function and how it reflects the superior gluteal nerve. The nerve supplies the gluteus medius and minimus, which are the main abductors of the hip and crucial for keeping the pelvis level during single-leg stance. When these muscles are weak due to superior gluteal nerve injury, they can’t stabilize the pelvis, so the pelvis tilts or drops on the side opposite the stance leg—that’s a positive Trendelenburg sign. This test specifically assesses the integrity of the hip abductors, making it the best indicator of a superior gluteal nerve issue. The straight leg raise checks lumbar nerve roots and hamstring tension, not gluteal nerve function. The McMurray and Lachman tests assess knee structures (menisci and ACL, respectively) rather than hip abductor strength. So the Trendelenburg sign directly-targets the muscle group and nerve involved in this scenario.

The key idea is hip abductor function and how it reflects the superior gluteal nerve. The nerve supplies the gluteus medius and minimus, which are the main abductors of the hip and crucial for keeping the pelvis level during single-leg stance. When these muscles are weak due to superior gluteal nerve injury, they can’t stabilize the pelvis, so the pelvis tilts or drops on the side opposite the stance leg—that’s a positive Trendelenburg sign.

This test specifically assesses the integrity of the hip abductors, making it the best indicator of a superior gluteal nerve issue. The straight leg raise checks lumbar nerve roots and hamstring tension, not gluteal nerve function. The McMurray and Lachman tests assess knee structures (menisci and ACL, respectively) rather than hip abductor strength. So the Trendelenburg sign directly-targets the muscle group and nerve involved in this scenario.