Clinical Diagnosis · Musculoskeletal System · Hard
Steppage
Meaning: Gait in which the knee is lifted unusually high to clear a foot that cannot dorsiflex.
In practice: Common peroneal nerve palsy causes foot drop, so the knee is lifted high and the foot slaps down.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: Tiny pinpoint red or purple spots caused by bleeding from capillaries.
Answer: Petechiae
Which word means: A gait in which steps become progressively shorter and faster as if chasing the centre of gravity.
Answer: Festination
Words like steppage come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.