Which gait pattern is typical in bilateral leg spasticity with adductor spasm?

• A. Scissors gait
• B. Trendelenburg gait
• C. Steppage gait
• D. Shuffling gait

Answer: (A)

When spasticity affects both legs and the adductor muscles (inner thighs) are particularly overactive, the legs are pulled toward the midline as you walk. This strong adduction makes the thighs cross each other or come very close together with each step, producing a scissors-like pattern. The result is a narrow, crossing gait rather than a wide, independent stride.

This pattern is typical of spastic diplegia or bilateral upper motor neuron involvement where adductor hypertonicity dominates. By contrast, gait patterns like Trendelenburg arise from weakness of the hip abductors causing the pelvis to dip on the swing side; steppage gait from dorsiflexor weakness leading to high stepping to clear the foot; and shuffling gait from parkinsonian bradykinesia and festination, with small, hurried steps.