What condition is associated with Gower's sign?

Gower's sign is a clinical indicator primarily associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This sign refers to a specific maneuver that individuals, particularly children with DMD, use to rise from the ground. When attempting to stand up, they often need to push against their legs, climb up their own body, or use their hands to walk up their thighs in order to gain the necessary leverage. This occurs due to weakened proximal muscles, particularly the hip and thigh muscles, which are affected in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

In contrast, the other conditions listed do not typically present with Gower's sign. For example, cerebral palsy might involve muscle stiffness or spasticity but not the specific weakness in the proximal muscles experienced in DMD. Spinal muscular atrophy could lead to weakness as well, but the characteristic Gower’s maneuver is not typically seen. Myasthenia gravis is characterized by muscle fatigue and weakness, but again does not present with Gower's sign. Thus, the identification of Gower's sign is a strong indicator of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.