In a three-point gait, which describes the weight-bearing pattern?

In a three-point gait, which describes the weight-bearing pattern?

• A. Crutches and the affected leg advance together, then the unaffected leg
• B. The unaffected leg advances first while crutches stay in place
• C. The crutches advance after the uninvolved leg
• D. The affected leg bears weight while crutches move behind

Answer: (A)

Three-point gait is used when one leg must not bear weight. In this pattern, the body is supported by the two crutches and the injured leg, which move forward together as a unit. Then the healthy leg advances to complete the step. This sequence—crutches and the affected leg moving forward together, followed by the unaffected leg—protects the injured limb while still allowing forward progression. The other sequences would either move the uninjured leg first or have the crutches lag behind in a way that doesn’t provide the required support for a three-point pattern.

Three-point gait is used when one leg must not bear weight. In this pattern, the body is supported by the two crutches and the injured leg, which move forward together as a unit. Then the healthy leg advances to complete the step. This sequence—crutches and the affected leg moving forward together, followed by the unaffected leg—protects the injured limb while still allowing forward progression. The other sequences would either move the uninjured leg first or have the crutches lag behind in a way that doesn’t provide the required support for a three-point pattern.