Gait Spastic (Scissor Leg)

Scissor Leg Gait: Causes, Symptoms and Possible Treatments

Introduction

Spastic gait, also known as "Scissor Leg" or "scissor gait", is a gait disorder characterized by the constant crossing of one leg over the other as a result of spasticity of the adductor muscles. This type of gait is common in children with brain damage and in adults who have had a stroke. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms and possible treatment methods to improve the condition and quality of life of patients suffering from Spastic gait.

Causes

Spastic gait is usually associated with damage to the brain or central nervous system, which results in muscle spasticity. Uncontrolled contraction of the adductors, the muscles responsible for bringing the leg toward the midline of the body, causes the legs to cross during walking. The main causes of Spastic gait include:

  1. Brain damage: Brain damage, such as cerebral palsy or other childhood brain development disorders, can cause a spastic gait in children.

  2. Stroke: Adults who have had a stroke may also develop a spastic gait as a result of brain damage caused by the stroke.

Symptoms

The main symptom of Spastic gait is crossing the legs while walking. Patients may have the following symptoms:

  1. Crossing your legs: When walking, one leg crosses over the other, creating a characteristic scissoring gait.

  2. Difficulty in movement: Leg mobility may be limited and patients may have difficulty performing normal movements.

  3. Unsteadiness: Patients with Spastic gait may experience problems with balance and coordination while walking.

  4. Painful sensations: Uncontrolled muscle contractions can cause pain in the legs and joints.

Treatment

The goal of treating Spastic gait is to improve the mobility and functionality of the legs and reduce pain. Here are some of the possible treatment methods:

  1. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy plays an important role in improving gait and reducing muscle spasticity. Physical therapists can suggest exercises that focus on strengthening muscles, increasing flexibility, and improving balance. They may also use stretching and massage techniques to reduce spasticity and improve movement.

  2. Drug therapy: In some cases, medications, such as muscle relaxants, may be prescribed to reduce muscle spasticity and improve movement control. Treatment is prescribed by a physician, and the dosage and use of medications should be strictly monitored by a medical professional.

  3. Surgery: In some situations where conservative treatments are not effective, surgery may be considered. One of the surgical procedures used to treat Spastic gait is tenotomy. A tenotomy involves cutting or redirecting tendons to reduce muscle spasticity and improve leg mobility.

  4. Hardware Assistance: Patients with Spastic gait may benefit from special hardware, such as orthoses and support devices, to help improve support and stability when walking.

Conclusion

Scissor Leg gait is a gait disorder that can limit mobility and increase the risk of falls in patients. However, through a combination of physical therapy, drug therapy, surgery and the use of support devices, significant improvement can be achieved. Early detection and timely treatment play an important role in improving the lives of patients suffering from Spastic gait and helping them achieve the best results in regaining mobility and daily activities.



Scissor Leg Gait: Causes, Symptoms and Possible Treatment Options

Gait is one of the main elements of normal human movement. However, some people experience a gait disorder known as a spastic gait or Scissor Leg gait. This condition is characterized by the crossing of one leg over the other as a result of spasticity of the adductor muscles passing through them. Spastic gait can occur in children with brain damage and in adults after a stroke. In this article, we will look at the causes, symptoms, and possible treatment options for spastic gait.

The causes of spastic gait can be varied. One of the main causes in children is brain damage such as cerebral palsy. In adults, spastic gait is often associated with the consequences of a stroke, which damages the brain structures that control movement.

Symptoms of a spastic gait include crossing your legs with each step and difficulty moving your legs. Patients may experience heaviness and discomfort when walking, as well as difficulty maintaining balance. This may affect their ability to move independently and perform daily tasks.

When treating spastic gait, it is important to assess the underlying cause of this disorder and develop an individual rehabilitation plan for each patient. In some cases, surgery such as a tenotomy may be required. Tenotomy is a procedure in which a tendon is cut or shortened to change the length or direction of the muscle. For spastic gait, the goal of tenotomy is to reduce the degree of leg crossing and improve the movement pattern.

However, it should be noted that tenotomy is not always necessary or the only treatment option. Rehabilitation methods such as physical therapy and occupational therapy may also be effective in improving a patient's gait and overall mobility. These methods may include muscle strengthening exercises, stretching, massage and the use of special apparatus and walking aids.

It is important to note that the treatment of spastic gait requires an individual approach, and each case must be assessed by a doctor or rehabilitation specialist. A comprehensive approach including medical treatment, physical therapy and patient support can help improve quality of life and increase walking independence.

In conclusion, spastic gait, or "Scissor Leg" gait, is a gait disorder in which one leg continually crosses over the other due to spasticity of the adductor muscles. This condition is often seen in children with brain damage and in adults after a stroke. Although tenotomy may be a treatment option, the decision about whether surgery is necessary should be made by the physician based on each patient's individual characteristics. Rehabilitation modalities such as physical therapy and occupational therapy also play an important role in improving gait and overall mobility. It is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional to determine the best approach to treating spastic gait and improving the patient's quality of life.



Spastic gait is one of the most noticeable movement disorders associated with brain diseases. It is characterized by the presence of a certain “ugliness” in the gait. With this gait, various forms of skipping are most often observed.

While the facial muscles, when the patient is performing “fanning”, while he is awake, work until they are completely fatigued, that is, until the eyelids are fully opened. And when performing the same facial attempt in a sleepy state, a long initial position is noted, during which patients are unable to open their eyes. However, after a certain period of time, patients open their eyes, which signals the subsequent activation of the orbicularis oculi muscle in the REM sleep phase. But with a weak degree of coma, they cannot control them and the eyelids remain half-closed.