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NM3 Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Practice Test

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During compensatory standing with KAFOs, a patient with T6 AIS A paraplegia achieves a stable upright posture by extending the hips fully while using a walker. Which anatomical structure is the patient relying on for passive stability at the hips?
Correct Answer:
The iliofemoral (Y) ligament
Explanation:
The iliofemoral ligament, the Y-shaped band at the front of the hip, provides passive stability when the hip is extended. As the hip fully extends while standing with KAFOs, this anterior hip capsule ligament becomes taut and acts like a checkrein, limiting hyperextension and helping maintain an upright posture with little muscular effort. The other structures aren’t the primary source of hip stability in this position: the posterior cruciate ligament is in the knee, not the hip; the anterior longitudinal ligament runs along the spine and doesn’t stabilize the hip; and the iliotibial band is a lateral thigh structure that doesn’t serve as the main passive stabilizer for hip extension in standing.

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