Stepper gear

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When stepper gear , colloquially called houndstooth or stork referred to is a gait disturbance caused by a paralysis caused the drop foot (dorsiflexors).

Gait pattern

The stepper gait is characterized by a drooping foot when running. To prevent the patient from stumbling, bend the free leg more at the hip and knee. Patients cannot stand or walk on their heels.

Anatomical basics

The anterior tibial muscle (Musculus tibialis anterior) is mainly responsible for raising the foot (dorsiflexion, extension of the foot) . The long toe extensor (Musculus extensor digitorum longus) and the long big toe extensor (Musculus extensor hallucis longus) also make a smaller contribution to raising the foot . All of these muscles are innervated by the deep fibrous nerve ( deep peroneal nerve). The deep peroneal nerve is a branch of the common fibula nerve (common peroneal nerve), which branches off from the sciatic nerve (sciatic nerve).

causes

The cause for the formation of the stepper gait is the paralysis of the foot lifters, which is usually caused by a peroneal paralysis (peroneal paresis). Isolated paralysis of the foot lifts is very rare, however, so that other muscle groups are usually also affected.

The main causes of the stepping gait are pressure damage, overstretching and polyneuropathy of the common peroneal nerve. Pressure damage can result from incorrectly applied plaster casts and incorrect positioning of bedridden or unconscious patients. Frequent crossing of the thighs can also damage the nerve fibers ( crossed legs palsy ). With fast movements, especially during sports activities, the nerves can be overstretched. The causes of polyneuropathies are varied and other nerves are always affected.

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