This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Gait (scissor)

Authoring team

Scissor gait is the term used to describe the manner of walking that is seen in patients with spastic paraplegia, the features are:

  • rigidity and excessive adduction of the leg in swing
  • plantar flexion of the ankle
  • flexion at the knee
  • adduction and internal rotation at the hip
  • contractures of all spastic muscles

The individual is thus forced to walk up on tip-toe, the other contractures resulting in the knees rubbing together and crossing in a manner analogous to scissors.

In addition to a scissor gait, there may be complicated assisting movements of the upper limbs when walking.


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.