A common compensatory pattern when dorsiflexion is compromised in swing is increased hip and knee flexion to lift the foot; Which term describes this compensation?

A common compensatory pattern when dorsiflexion is compromised in swing is increased hip and knee flexion to lift the foot; Which term describes this compensation?

• A. Circumduction
• B. Increased hip and knee flexion
• C. Vaulting
• D. Trendelenburg

Answer: (B)

When dorsiflexion is limited in swing, the foot can drag, so the body lifts the leg higher by increasing motion at the hip and knee. That extra flexion during swing to clear the foot is described as an increased hip and knee flexion, or a high-stepping approach. This is the best term here because it directly matches the mechanism of the compensation: lifting the foot by bending the hip and knee more. Circumduction would involve swinging the leg outward in a circular arc to clear the foot, not just lifting with more flexion. Vaulting uses rise on the stance leg to help the swing leg clear, which is a different strategy. Trendelenburg refers to pelvis drop during stance due to weak hip abductors, not a swing-foot clearance pattern.

When dorsiflexion is limited in swing, the foot can drag, so the body lifts the leg higher by increasing motion at the hip and knee. That extra flexion during swing to clear the foot is described as an increased hip and knee flexion, or a high-stepping approach. This is the best term here because it directly matches the mechanism of the compensation: lifting the foot by bending the hip and knee more.

Circumduction would involve swinging the leg outward in a circular arc to clear the foot, not just lifting with more flexion. Vaulting uses rise on the stance leg to help the swing leg clear, which is a different strategy. Trendelenburg refers to pelvis drop during stance due to weak hip abductors, not a swing-foot clearance pattern.