Courtesy: Prof Nabil Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA

 

Gluteus Maximus Gait (Gluteus Maximus Lurch)

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Definition

• Gluteus maximus gait occurs due to:
  • Weakness or paralysis of the gluteus maximus muscle
• Characterized by:
  • Backward trunk lurch during walking

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Mechanism of Gait

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During Heel Strike (Affected Side)

• Patient lurches trunk backward

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Purpose of Compensation

• Prevents forward fall of trunk
• Compensates for loss of hip extension power

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Biomechanical Effect

• Shifts line of gravity:
  • Posterior to hip joint
• Allows:
  • Passive stabilization of hip

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Clinical Features

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• Backward trunk lurch during stance phase
• Occurs at heel strike
• Maintains hip stability despite weak extensors
• Classic description:
  • “Gluteus maximus lurch”

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Gluteus Maximus Muscle

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General Description

• Largest muscle of gluteal region
• Most superficial gluteal muscle

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Other Gluteal Muscles

• Gluteus medius
• Gluteus minimus

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Origin

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• Posterior gluteal surface of ilium
• Dorsal sacrum
• Coccyx
• Sacrotuberous ligament
• Thoracolumbar fascia

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Insertion

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• Gluteal tuberosity of femur
• Iliotibial tract (IT band)

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Blood Supply

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• Superior gluteal artery
• Inferior gluteal artery (primary supply)

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Nerve Supply

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• Inferior gluteal nerve

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Root Value

• L5, S1, S2

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Functions of Gluteus Maximus

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• Hip extension
• Lateral rotation of thigh
• Rising from sitting position
• Running, climbing, jumping
• Stabilizes knee via IT band
• Maintains upright posture

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Related Structures

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Tensor Fasciae Latae

• Located anteriorly
• Contributes to:
  • Iliotibial tract tension

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Iliotibial Tract (IT Band)

• Stabilizes:
  • Hip
  • Knee during stance phase

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Key Clinical Point

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• Weakness (commonly due to inferior gluteal nerve injury) leads to:
  • Loss of hip extension power
  • Compensatory backward trunk lurch