What is a characteristic of the gait seen in congenital hip dysplasia?

In congenital hip dysplasia, individuals often exhibit a waddling gait due to the instability of the hip joint. This condition affects the proper alignment and function of the hip, leading to a compensatory mechanism during walking. The waddling gait is characterized by a side-to-side movement of the hips and pelvis and can occur because the individual may have to shift their weight more broadly to stabilize their stance and prevent dislocation of the hip joint.

A fast-paced walking pattern would typically not be associated with congenital hip dysplasia, as the instability and potential pain in the hip region would limit speed and encourage a more cautious approach to movement. Similarly, a steppage gait involves lifting the knees higher than usual to clear the foot, usually due to nerve injuries, and is not characteristic of hip dysplasia. Heel-to-toe walking is a normal stride seen in healthy individuals and would not be reflective of the gait abnormalities associated with this condition. Thus, the waddling gait represents the most typical characteristic observed in individuals with congenital hip dysplasia.