A positive Trendelenburg test helps identify which pediatric condition?

• A. Scoliosis
• B. Osgood-Schlatter disease
• C. Nursemaid's elbow
• D. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Answer: (D)

The Trendelenburg sign measures how well the hip abductors (especially gluteus medius) can keep the pelvis level when you stand on one leg. If the pelvis drops on the opposite side, it means the abductors on the stance leg are weak. In children, hip problems like slipped capital femoral epiphysis can weaken these muscles and limit hip function, producing a positive Trendelenburg sign. That’s why this test helps identify SCFE.

The other conditions involve different joints or systems and don’t typically cause hip abductor weakness with a positive Trendelenburg sign (scoliosis is a spine issue; nursemaid’s elbow is an elbow injury; Osgood-Schlatter is knee-related).