A 68-year-old woman comes to the office for a follow-up after a left hip arthroplasty. The patient has been complaining of difficult walking despite absent pain. Physical examination shows that the patient leans to the left side while walking. When he is asked to stand on his left leg, the patient's right hip moves downward. Injury involving which of the following nerves would explain the patient's presentation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The gluteus medius, the gluteus minimus, and the tensor fascia latae muscles are innervated by the superior gluteal nerve. Therefore, superior gluteal nerve injury would lead to abnormal movement of the pelvis during the walk. The pelvis would tilt downward to the contralateral side of the injury ( Trendelenburg Sign). Additionally, patients affected would lean their bodies to the side of the injury to stabilize their pelvis while walking.

A 68-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Office for a Follow-Up