Walking (gait) abnormalities

How does a doctor know that my child has a gait abnormality?

Your child's doctor will carefully observe your child as he or she walks or runs.

Other diagnostic procedures may include:

• X-rays – A diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – A diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. This test is done to rule out any associated abnormalities of the spinal cord and nerves
• Computerized Tomography Scan (also called a CT or CAT scan) – A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called "slices"), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays