Which statement about the hip orientation at the start of stance is true?

Which statement about the hip orientation at the start of stance is true?

• A. The hip is slightly externally rotated
• B. The hip is slightly internally rotated
• C. The hip is abducted
• D. The hip is extended

Answer: (A)

In the start of stance, the leg is positioned with a slight external rotation of the femur relative to the pelvis. This outward twist helps align the foot with the direction of travel and facilitates smooth weight acceptance as the body comes onto the stance leg. The other options don’t match what typically happens at heel strike: internal rotation would point the foot inward, abduction would move the leg away from the midline, and while there is some overall extension in stance, the most characteristic orientation in this moment is the slight external rotation.

In the start of stance, the leg is positioned with a slight external rotation of the femur relative to the pelvis. This outward twist helps align the foot with the direction of travel and facilitates smooth weight acceptance as the body comes onto the stance leg. The other options don’t match what typically happens at heel strike: internal rotation would point the foot inward, abduction would move the leg away from the midline, and while there is some overall extension in stance, the most characteristic orientation in this moment is the slight external rotation.