What type of gait deviation might be observed if there is a weakness in the muscles innervated by the tibial nerve?

When weakness exists in the muscles innervated by the tibial nerve, the most prominent gait deviation that may be observed is a waddling gait. The tibial nerve primarily influences the muscles responsible for ankle plantarflexion and toe flexion, including the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. When these muscles are weak, the individual may struggle to push off effectively during walking, leading to compensatory movements such as a sideways shifting of the body or excessive use of hip muscles to maintain stability.

A waddling gait often features a side-to-side motion of the pelvis, which can help to balance and accommodate the diminished power during the push-off phase. The characteristic movement often makes it look as though the individual is rolling or shifting their weight side to side, rather than moving straight ahead. This deviation can result in increased instability or difficulty in maintaining the line of progression, as the lack of adequate push-off from the weak plantar flexors requires the individual to rely on other muscles and mechanisms to propel the body forward.

Other gait deviations mentioned in the question involve different sets of muscle imbalances or neurological issues. For instance, a spastic gait is typically associated with upper motor neuron lesions, leading to stiff and jerky movements. Steppage gait is