Trendelenburg Test

A Trendelenburg Test determines the competency of the valves in communicating veins between the superficial and deep veins of the leg. The leg is raised above heart level until the veins become empty, then the leg is quickly lowered. Superficial veins of the leg normally empty into deep veins, however retrograde filling occurs when valves are incompetent, leading to varicose veins.

Trendelenburg test (when looking for Trendelenburg's sign):The muscles tested in Trendelenburg test are the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, whose abductor action allows them to hold the body over the leg planted on the ground. Positive Trendelenburg signs can be seen in some polio victims who have had selective paralysis of these muscles. Positive Trendelenburg signs can also be seen in patients with hip dislocations, femur fractures, or deformities that cause the greater trochanter to lie close to the ilium, thereby causing a mechanical disadvantage to the action of gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.