ABSTRACT
Examination of the “way a child walks” is often the first step of clinical examination in ambulatory children. Most gait abnormalities need no more than reassurance as their treatment. However, to differentiate an abnormal gait from a normal one, a thorough understanding of the development of the gait cycle, the phases of the gait cycle, and the way to examine the same is a must. While a detailed gait examination requires a dedicated gait lab, visual examination, which is usually done in an outpatient clinic, is often sufficient in identifying an abnormal gait.
This chapter starts with a description of the development of normal gait and then progresses to describe the gait cycle in detail. A description of the method of gait examination is followed by that of the commonly seen abnormal gait patterns. Description of gait abnormalities in cerebral palsy patients completes the description of abnormal gait patterns. While an in-depth description of gait in cerebral palsy is beyond the scope of this book, the chapter does introduce the reader to the basics. The pathophysiological basis of abnormal gait patterns is explained, and representative videos have been provided to facilitate learning.
