Scissors gait is described as stiff gait with legs crossing forward on each step, seen in bilateral lower-extremity spasticity, most commonly associated with which condition?

• A. Trendelenburg gait
• B. Scissors gait
• C. Ataxic gait
• D. Parkinsonian gait

Answer: (B)

Scissors gait reflects bilateral leg adductor spasticity pulling the thighs toward the midline, so the legs cross each other with each step. This stiff, midline-crossing pattern is classically seen in cerebral palsy, especially the spastic diplegia form where both legs are affected. The underlying issue is upper motor neuron–type spasticity rather than weakness or cerebellar incoordination. In contrast, other gaits point to different problems: Trendelenburg gait from hip abductor weakness, ataxic gait from cerebellar dysfunction causing a wide-based, unsteady walk, and Parkinsonian gait from basal ganglia pathology with small, shuffling steps and reduced arm swing. So scissors gait most strongly indicates cerebral palsy as the associated condition.