scissor gait

Last reviewed 01/2018

Scissor gait is the term used to describe the manner of walking that is seen in patients with spastic paraplegia, the features are:

• rigidity and excessive adduction of the leg in swing
• plantar flexion of the ankle
• flexion at the knee
• adduction and internal rotation at the hip
• contractures of all spastic muscles

The individual is thus forced to walk up on tip-toe, the other contractures resulting in the knees rubbing together and crossing in a manner analogous to scissors.

In addition to a scissor gait, there may be complicated assisting movements of the upper limbs when walking.