Iliotibial (IT) Band
Definition
Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITBFS) is the most common overuse syndrome of the knee. This syndrome is a result of friction of the IT band as it slides over the lateral floral condyle around 30 degrees of knee flexion (Dutton). Those most at risk for developing ITBFS include long distance runners. Others at risk include those who participate in activities such as downhill skiing, circuit training, weight lifting, jumping sports, and cyclists (Dutton). Examination Patients will report pain with repetitive motion of the knee with no reports of prior trauma. Often times, the symptoms worsen with changes in training such as changes in surface or milage. When asked to describe the pain it is lateral knee pain that is diffuse (Dutton). Through the objective evaluation the patient will report tenderness with palpation on the lateral femoral condyle. Manual muscle tests for the provocation of pain will likely be negative (Dutton). Treatment Treatment should begin with decreasing or changing the activity causing the pain and using either heat or cold to reduce pain. In addition to patient education and activity modification, exercises should target strengthening the hip abductors and stretching the TFL (Dutton). The use of a foam roller can be helpful in addressing myofascial restrictions of the lateral hip and thigh (De Carlo). |
Special Tests
Special tests for ruling in ITBFS include:
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References:
1. De Carlo, M, Armstrong B. "Rehabilitation of the knee following sports injury" Clinics in Sports Medicine, 2010-01-01, Volume 29, Issue 1, Pages 81-106
2. Dutton M. Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 2nd ed: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; 2008.
1. De Carlo, M, Armstrong B. "Rehabilitation of the knee following sports injury" Clinics in Sports Medicine, 2010-01-01, Volume 29, Issue 1, Pages 81-106
2. Dutton M. Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 2nd ed: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; 2008.