Sections

Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome

Sections Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
Overview
Presentation
Workup
Treatment
Media Gallery
References

Workup

Laboratory Studies

Basic preoperative laboratory tests are indicated, including the following:

Complete blood count (CBC)
Electrolytes
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Creatinine level
Liver function tests (LFTs)

Imaging Studies

In patients with iliotibial band (ITB) friction syndrome (ITBFS), a complete history and physical examination should provide enough information that imaging beyond radiography is typically not necessary. If the diagnosis is unclear or conservative treatment fails, then magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US) should be considered.

Radiography

This study is used to rule out fractures, osteophytes, or osteochondrotic lesions. Alignment and soft-tissue swelling may be evaluated also. Radiographic findings usually are unremarkable in ITBFS.

Magnetic resonance imaging

MRI^{[28, 29, 30]} can be an effective means of excluding other pathology (eg, lateral meniscus tear, lateral collateral ligament sprain, patellofemoral subluxation, chondromalacia patellae, biceps or popliteus tendinitis, meniscal cysts, and osteochondritis dissecans). It can reveal diffuse signal deep to the ITB in the recess just proximal to the lateral femoral condyle. Reactive signal in the periosteum of the condyle and thickening of the ITB can be observed as well, but no pathology typically is observed in the knee joint.

The stage of development of ITBFS may impact the findings seen on MRI. Acute cases may have an ill-defined signal abnormality beneath the ITB; progression of the syndrome can be associated with increasing signal changes superficial to the ITB, whereas the chronic stage can be associated with bursal fluid and ITB thickening.

Ultrasonography

US is useful in evaluating cystic masses and fluid in the lateral synovial recess (LSR). It is effective in revealing the dynamic motion of the ITB through knee flexion and extension, thus allowing visualization of the impingement.

Procedures

Lidocaine can be injected for diagnostic purposes if a localized source of pain is suspected.

Histologic Findings

Tissue from the LSR demonstrates hyperplasia and inflammation. ITB tissue may exhibit tendinosis.

Treatment & Management

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Media Gallery

Illustration of the friction point at the lateral epicondyle prominence. Note the shift in position of the iliotibial band from anterior to posterior as the knee moves into flexion, drawing the iliotibial band across the prominence.
Lateral hip stabilizers.
Iliotibial band noted prominently along the lateral thigh.
Iliotibial band at the lateral femoral epicondyle, with the posterior fibers denoted.
The Thomas test can be used to evaluate restriction in the iliotibial band, hip flexors, and rectus femoris.
Resection of lateral synovial fold through arthroscopic knee procedure. Courtesy of Elsevier, Inc (Cowden CH 3rd, Barber FA. Arthroscopic treatment of iliotibial band syndrome. Arthrosc Tech. Feb 2014;3(1):e57-60).

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Author

Steven J Karageanes, DO, FAOASM Director of Sports Medicine, St Mary Mercy Hospital Livonia; Regional Assistant Dean, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences; Clinical Assistant Professor, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Steven J Karageanes, DO, FAOASM is a member of the following medical societies: American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, American Osteopathic Association, Michigan State Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Terrence Lock, MD Senior Consulting Surgeon, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital

Terrence Lock, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Medical Association, Michigan State Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Chief Editor

Thomas M DeBerardino, MD, FAAOS, FAOA Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Joe R and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine; Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Faculty of Sports Medicine Fellowship, Baylor College of Medicine; Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeon, Department of Orthopaedics, UT Health San Antonio; Consulting Surgeon, Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy and Reconstruction of the Knee, Hip and Shoulder

Thomas M DeBerardino, MD, FAAOS, FAOA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Clinical Orthopaedic Society, Herodicus Society, International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: Arthrex, Inc.; MTF; Aesculap; Conmed; JRF<br/>Received research grant from: Arthrex, Inc.; MTF.

Additional Contributors

Dennis P Grogan, MD Clinical Professor (Retired), Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine; Orthopedic Surgeon, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shriners Hospital for Children of Tampa

Dennis P Grogan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Medical Association, American Orthopaedic Association, Scoliosis Research Society, Irish American Orthopaedic Society, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, Eastern Orthopaedic Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Cynthia Kooima, MD Resident Physician, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital

Cynthia Kooima, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Sections Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
Overview
Presentation
Workup
Treatment
Media Gallery
References

Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome Workup

Laboratory Studies

Imaging Studies

Radiography

Magnetic resonance imaging

Ultrasonography

Procedures

Histologic Findings

References

Tables

Contributor Information and Disclosures

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