Conservative treatment for iliotibial band syndrome: Are we facing a research gap? A scoping review of 98 studies with clinical perspectives.

OBJECTIVES: To identify which treatment modalities are described in the literature for the conservative management of ITBS (1) and to identify research gap (2). DATABASES: The following electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE/Pubmed, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: The included studies had to report at least one conservative treatment on a human population suffering from ITBS. RESULTS: 98 studies reached the included criteria and seven categories of treatment were identified, i.e., stretching, adjuvants, physical modalities, injections, strengthening, manual techniques and education. Only 32 studies were designed as original clinical studies within which only 7 were randomized controlled trials, while 66 were review studies. Education, injections and medications as well as stretching were the most cited therapies. However, there was a clear discrepancy design. For example, stretching modalities were reported in 31% and 78% for clinical and review studies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is an objective research gap in the literature concerning conservative ITBS management. The recommendations are mostly based on expert opinions and review article. More high-quality research studies should be performed for enhancing the ITBS conservative management understanding.

Lower extremity kinematics during running and hip abductor strength in iliotibial band syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Iliotibial band syndrome is a common overuse injury that is twice as likely to affect female runners compared to male runners. It is unclear if there is a consistent running pattern and strength profile exhibited by female and male runners with iliotibial band syndrome. RESEARCH QUESTION: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine if any differences existed in lower-extremity kinematics and hip strength between runners who retrospectively, currently, or prospectively had iliotibial band syndrome. METHODS: Papers included must have reported three-dimensional kinematic running data and/or hip strength data that were statistically analyzed between runners that never developed iliotibial band syndrome and runners with iliotibial band syndrome. Meta-analysis was performed for each kinematic or strength variable reported in at least three studies. Female and male runners were analyzed separately and grouped into three cohorts (retrospective, current, prospective). RESULTS: Seventeen articles were included in this systematic review. Data from 10 cross-sectional studies were included for meta-analysis. Female runners with current iliotibial band syndrome exhibited smaller peak hip internal rotation angles and lower isometric hip abductor strength compared to controls. SIGNIFICANCE: Although limited biomechanical evidence exists, risk factors for ITBS are different between female and male runners and may vary according to injury status. Specifically, transverse plane hip motion and hip abductor strength weakness may be biomechanical risk factors in female runners with current iliotibial band syndrome only.

[Research progress of lower limb muscle strength training in the treatment of lliotibial band syndrome].

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), as an overused injury of the lower extremities, has developed into a common cause of lateral knee pain. At present, the treatment of ITBS includes drug therapy, muscle strength training, physical therapy, and surgical treatment. Among these methods, physical therapy, drug therapy, and surgical treatment can only alleviate the symptoms of patients. As a safe and effective treatment, lower limb muscle strength training can improve patients' muscle strength, correct abnormal gait, and reduce the recurrence rate of the disease by paying attention to the dynamic changes of patients' recovery process. At present, the pathogenesis of ITBS remains unclear, and the treatment methods are not unified. It is necessary to further study the biomechanical factors related to the lower extremities and develop more scientific and comprehensive muscle strength training methods.

Research progress of lower limb muscle strength training in the treatment of lliotibial band syndrome / 中国骨伤

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), as an overused injury of the lower extremities, has developed into a common cause of lateral knee pain. At present, the treatment of ITBS includes drug therapy, muscle strength training, physical therapy, and surgical treatment. Among these methods, physical therapy, drug therapy, and surgical treatment can only alleviate the symptoms of patients. As a safe and effective treatment, lower limb muscle strength training can improve patients' muscle strength, correct abnormal gait, and reduce the recurrence rate of the disease by paying attention to the dynamic changes of patients' recovery process. At present, the pathogenesis of ITBS remains unclear, and the treatment methods are not unified. It is necessary to further study the biomechanical factors related to the lower extremities and develop more scientific and comprehensive muscle strength training methods.

Effect of Flat Running Shoes on Hip Kinematics in Male Recreational Runners.

Patellofemoral joint pain and iliotibial band syndrome are very common running-related injuries. Excessive contralateral pelvic drop, hip adduction, and hip internal rotation have been suggested to be associated with the two injuries. The purpose of this repeated measures and the cross-sectional study was to investigate the effect of flat running shoes on these kinematic variables compared with that of conventional running shoes with a 10 mm drop. Eighteen male recreational runners were recruited to run in flat shoes and conventional shoes with a 10 mm drop, in random order. Impact force data and lower extremity kinematics were synchronously obtained using two Kistler force plates and eight motion infrared cameras, whereas differences in the impact force and hip kinematics were compared using statistical parametric mapping. Regarding hip kinematics, the hip flexion (p = 0.004) and adduction angles (p = 0.004) decreased significantly at 30-70% and 62-85% of the stance phase, respectively, while wearing flat running shoes; the contralateral pelvic drop angle (p = 0.001) decreased significantly at 31-75% of the stance phase while wearing flat running shoes. The knee internal rotation angle (p = 0.035) decreased significantly at 8-17% of the stance phase while wearing flat running shoes compared with conventional running shoes. Given that these kinematic variables are associated with patellofemoral joint pain and iliotibial band syndrome, flat running shoes may have potential benefits for the prevention or treatment of knee injuries.

Comparing Functional Motor Control Exercises With Therapeutic Exercise in Wrestlers With Iliotibial Band Syndrome.

CONTEXT: Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common overuse injury in runners with parallels to our findings of overuse in Greco Roman wrestlers. Despite research indicating coordination and movement-based factors about the hip, no studies were found using functional motor control (FMC) in runners or wrestlers with ITBS. Thus, we compared FMC exercises and therapeutic exercises (TEs) on pain, function, muscle strength, and range of motion (ROM) in national-level Greco Roman wrestlers with ITBS. DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Sixty national-level Greco Roman wrestlers diagnosed with ITBS were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of FMC exercises, TE, and a control group (20 individuals for each group). Pain (visual analog scale), function (triple hop test for distance, single-leg vertical jump test, and agility T test), muscle strength (handheld dynamometer), and ROM (goniometer) were measured at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention as posttest. RESULTS: Although both interventions significantly reduced pain (P < .001, η2 = .87), improved function (triple hop test P = .004, η2 = .94; single-leg vertical jump P = .002, η2 = .93; and T test P < .001, η2 = .93) and strength (hip abduction (P < .001, η2 = .52), hip external rotation (P = .02, η2 = .95), knee flexion (P ≤ .001, η2 = .94), and knee extension (P < .001, η2 = .91) compared with the control group, FMC showed more significant improvements in comparison with TE. Significant differences (P = .001) were observed between FMC and TE compared with the control group in ROM outcome. However, TE was more effective than FMC in improving ROM hip abduction (P < .001, η2 = .93), hip adduction (P = .000, η2 = .92), hip internal rotation (P < .001, η2 = .92), and hip external rotation (P < .001, η2 = .93). CONCLUSION: FMC exercises were superior to TE in terms of pain, function, and muscle strength, whereas TE was more effective for improving ROM. FMC exercise is suggested as an effective intervention for improvement of the outcomes related to ITBS in national-level Greco Roman wrestlers.

Activación muscular en corredores con el síndrome de la banda iliotibial / Muscle Activation in Runners with Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Esta investigación examinó las diferencias en la activación muscular en los músculos de la cadera y muslo en corredores y corredoras con y sin el síndrome de la banda iliotibial (SFBI). Se registró la actividad neuromuscular en 21 corredores durante la carrera (14 SFBI y 7 sanos). No se han encontrado diferencias significativas en la actividad muscular media entre los corredores y corredoras lesionados. Sin embargo, en el caso de las corredoras lesionadas, se han encontrado diferencias entre el vasto lateral y el tensor fascia lata, y entre el vasto lateral y el bíceps femoral (p<0,05 en ambos casos). En el caso de los corredores hombres lesionados, se han encontrado diferencias entre el glúteo mayor y el tensor fascia lata, y entre el glúteo mayor y el bíceps femoral (p<0,05 en ambos casos). Estos hallazgos proporcionan un mayor entendimiento de la lesión y ayudarían a un tratamiento más específico. (AU)

A study was performed to examine differences in hip and thigh muscle activation in male and female runners with and without iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). The neuromuscular activity of 21 runners was recorded during run (14 ITBS and 7 healthy). No significant differences were observed in mean muscle activity in injured male and female runners. In contrast, in female runners with ITBS, there were differences between the vastus lateralis and the tensor fasciae latae and between the vastus lateralis and the femoral biceps (p<0.05 in the two cases). With regard to male runners with ITBS, differences in activity were observed between the gluteus maximus and the tensor fasciae latae, and between the gluteus maximus and the femoral biceps (p<0.05 in the two cases). These findings contribute to a better understanding of iliotibial band syndrome and may be useful for the design of targeted treatments. (AU)

Conservative treatment of iliotibial band syndrome in runners: Are we targeting the right goals?

OBJECTIVE: Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is presumably caused by excessive tension in the iliotibial band (ITB) leading to compression and inflammation of tissues lying beneath it. Usually managed conservatively, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the treatment recommendations, and high symptom recurrence rates cast doubt on their causal effectiveness. This review discusses the influence of common physiotherapeutic measures on risk factors contributing to tissue compression beneath the ITB. METHODS: The potential pathogenic factors are presented on the basis of a simple biomechanical model showing the forces acting on the lateral aspect of the knee. Existent literature on the most commonly prescribed physiotherapeutic interventions is critically discussed against the background of this model. Practical recommendations for the optimization of physiotherapy are derived. RESULTS: According to biomechanical considerations, ITBS may be promoted by anatomical predisposition, joint malalignments, aberrant activation of inserting muscles as well as excessive ITB stiffness. Hip abductor strengthening may correct excessive hip adduction but also increase ITB strain. Intermittent stretching interventions are unlikely to change the ITB's length or mechanical properties. Running retraining is a promising yet understudied intervention. CONCLUSIONS: High-quality research directly testing different physiotherapeutic treatment approaches in randomized controlled trials is needed.

The Iliotibial Band: A Complex Structure with Versatile Functions.

The development of a pronounced iliotibial band (ITB) is an anatomically distinct evolution of humans. The mechanical behaviour of this "new" structure is still poorly understood and hotly debated in current literature. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is one of the leading causes of lateral knee pain injuries in runners. We currently lack a comprehensive understanding of the healthy behaviour of the ITB, and this is necessary prior to further investigating the aetiology of pathologies like ITBS. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review was to collate the anatomical, biomechanical and clinical literature to understand how the mechanical function of the ITB is influenced by anatomical variation, posture and muscle activation. The complexity of understanding the mechanical function of the ITB is due, in part, to the presence of its two in-series muscles: gluteus maximus (GMAX) and tensor fascia latae (TFL). At present, we lack a fundamental understanding of how GMAX and TFL transmit force through the ITB and what mechanical role the ITB plays for movements like walking or running. While there is a range of proposed ITBS treatment strategies, robust evidence for effective treatments is still lacking. Interventions that directly target the running biomechanics suspected to increase either ITB strain or compression of lateral knee structures may have promise, but clinical randomised controlled trials are still required.

The immediate effects of Kinesio Taping on running biomechanics, muscle activity, and perceived changes in comfort, stability and running performance in healthy runners, and the implications to the management of Iliotibial band syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Kinesio Taping is frequently used in the management of lower limb injuries, and has been shown to improve pain, function, and running performance. However, little is known about the effects of Kinesio Taping on running biomechanics, muscle activity, and perceived benefits. RESEARCH QUESTION: This study aimed to explore the immediate effects of Kinesio Taping on lower limb kinematics, joint moments, and muscle activity, as well as perceived comfort, knee joint stability, and running performance in healthy runners. METHODS: Twenty healthy participants ran at a self-selected pace along a 20-metre runway under three conditions; no tape (NT), Kinesio Tape with tension (KTT), and Kinesio tape without tension (KTNT). Comparisons of peak hip, knee angles and moments, and EMG were analysed during the stance phase of running. RESULTS: KTT exhibited significant increases in peak hip flexion, peak hip abduction and hip external rotation compared to NT. Moreover, the KTT condition showed a trend towards a decrease in peak hip internal rotation and adduction angle compared to the NT condition. EMG results showed that Tensor Fascia Latae activity decreased with KTT compared with NT, and Gluteus Maximus activity reduced with KTNT when compared with NT. Ten of the 20 participants indicated important improvements in the comfort score, six participants in the knee stability score, and seven participants in the running performance score when using KTT. SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest that changes in running biomechanics previously associated with ITBS can be improved with the application of kinesio tape, with the greatest effect seen with the application of kinesio tape with tension. Perceived improvements were seen in comfort, stability and running performance, however these benefits were only seen in half the participants. Further work is required to explore the biomechanical effects and perceived benefits in different patient groups.

Running-related injuries in middle school cross-country runners: Prevalence and characteristics of common injuries.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the prevalence and factors associated with running-related injuries in middle school runners may guide injury prevention. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of running-related injuries and describe factors related to a history of injury. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: Survey distributed online to middle school runners. METHODS: Participants completed a web-based survey regarding prior running-related injuries, training, sleep, diet, and sport participation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Prevalence and characteristics differentiating girls and boys with and without running-related injury history adjusted for age. PARTICIPANTS: Youth runners (total: 2113, average age, 13.2 years; boys: n = 1255, girls: n = 858). RESULTS: Running-related injuries were more prevalent in girls (56% vs. 50%, p = .01). Ankle sprain was the most common injury (girls: 22.5%, boys: 21.6%), followed by patellofemoral pain (20.4% vs. 7.8%) and shin splints (13.6% vs. 5.9%); both were more prevalent in girls (p < .001). Boys more frequently reported plantar fasciitis (5.6% vs. 3.3%, p = .01), iliotibial band syndrome (4.1% vs. 1.4%, p = .001) and Osgood-Schlatter disease (3.8% vs. 1.2%, p = .001). Runners with history of running-related injuries were older, ran greater average weekly mileage, ran faster, had fewer average hours of sleep on weekends, skipped more meals, missed breakfast, and consumed less milk (all p < .05). Girls with history of running-related injuries reported higher dietary restraint scores, later age of menarche, more menstrual cycle disturbances, and higher likelihood of following vegetarian diets and an eating disorder diagnosis (all p < .05). Runners with no history of running-related injuries were more likely to have participated in ≥2 years of soccer or basketball (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Most middle school runners reported a history of running-related injuries and certain injuries differing by gender. Modifiable factors with the greatest association with running-related injuries included training volume, dietary restraint, skipping meals, and less sleep. Sport sampling, including participation in ball sports, may reduce running-related injury risk in this population.

Current Clinical Concepts: Synthesizing the Available Evidence for Improved Clinical Outcomes in Iliotibial Band Impingement Syndrome.

The current paradigm of insidious lateral knee pain involving the iliotibial band (ITB) in repetitive knee-flexion activities has been termed ITB friction syndrome since 1975. The original model for ITB pain was based on a limited or incorrect understanding of the relevant anatomy, biomechanics, and tissue science, which gradually led to a plethora of frustrating and ineffective interventional strategies. Mounting evidence from arthroscopic, cadaveric, and biomechanical studies, as well as from diagnostic imaging and histologic reports, has helped deconstruct this long-held paradigm for ITB-related pathology and treatment. By outlining the historical paradigm for our understanding of ITB pain and gathering newer evidence through extensive research, I will synthesize the available data in this clinical update to present an updated, more informed model for understanding insidious-onset ITB-related pathology and treating patients. The result is called ITB impingement syndrome.

Arthroscopic Treatment for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome with External Snapping Hip: A Comparison Study of Matched Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of hip arthroscopy combined with endoscopic iliotibial band (ITB) release in patients with both femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome and external snapping hip (ESH). METHODS: Retrospectively review the preoperative and minimum of 2-year follow-up data of patients with both FAI syndrome and ESH who underwent endoscopic ITB release during hip arthroscopy (FAI + ESH group) from January 2014 to December 2018. The same number of age- and gender-matched FAI syndrome patients without ESH undergoing hip arthroscopy were enrolled in the control group (FAI group). Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), visual analog scale for pain (VAS-pain), and abductive force of affected hip at 3 month and 2 years postoperatively were comparatively analyzed. The VAS-satisfaction score of two groups at 2 years postoperatively were also analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of ESH in FAI syndrome patients undergoing hip arthroscopy in our institution was 5.5% (39 of 715 hips), including nine males (10 hips) and 29 females (29 hips). The mean age at the time of surgery was 32.1 ± 6.9 years (range, 22-48 years). According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 patients were enrolled in FAI + ITB group. Twenty-three age- and sex-matched FAI syndrome patients were enrolled in FAI group. At 24 months postoperatively, no patient still suffered ESH symptoms and painful palpation at lateral region in FAI + ITB group. The iHOT-33, mHHS, and VAS-pain score of patients in FAI + ESH group were significantly severer than patients in FAI group preoperatively (41.6 ± 7.5 vs 48.8 ± 7.2, 54.8 ± 7.2 vs 59.2 ± 6.9, 5.5 ± 0.9 vs 4.7 ± 1.0; P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in these scores between the patients in FAI + ESH group and FAI group at 3-month and 24-month follow-up (73.6 ± 8.5 vs 76.1 ± 6.9, 85.3 ± 7.8 vs 84.2 ± 6.6, 0.8 ± 0.9 vs 0.6 ± 0.9; P > 0.05). At 3 months after surgery, the abductive force of operated hip was significantly smaller than that in FAI group (82.4 ± 12.4 N vs 91.9 ± 16.1 N, P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference at 24 months after surgery (101.6 ± 14.9 N vs 106.5 ± 13.7 N, P > 0.05). The VAS-satisfaction scores of patients in the two groups were at a similarly high level (90.5 ± 6.8 vs 88.8 ± 7.3, P > 0.05). There was no complication and no arthroscopic revision in either group until 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although abductive force recovery of the hip was delayed, hip arthroscopy combined with endoscopic ITB release addressed hip snapping in patients with both FAI syndrome and ESH, and could get similar functional improvement, pain relief, recovery speed, as well as patient satisfaction compared with the pure hip arthroscopy in FAI syndrome patients without ESH.

Síndrome de la banda iliotibial / Iliotibial band syndrome

Introducción: El dolor en la rodilla responde a múltiples causas. Entre ellas se encuentra el síndrome de la banda iliotibial que afecta, principalmente, a pacientes jóvenes que practican cierta actividad deportiva. Objetivo: Actualizar y ofrecer información sobre el síndrome de la banda iliotibial. Métodos: La búsqueda y análisis de la información se realizó en un periodo de 92 días (01 de julio al 30 de septiembre de 2020). Se emplearon las siguientes palabras: iliotibial band syndrome, iliotibial band friction syndrome AND lateral knee pain. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de un total de 186 artículos publicados en las bases de datos PubMed, Hinari, SciELO y Medline mediante el gestor de búsqueda y administrador de referencias EndNote, de ellos se utilizaron 40 citas seleccionadas para realizar la revisión, 38 de los últimos cinco años. Desarrollo: Se mencionan las características anatómicas más importantes relacionadas con la banda iliotibial. Se refiere a las maniobras empleadas, así como los exámenes imagenológicos de mayor utilidad. Se exponen las principales entidades implicadas en el diagnóstico diferencial. Con relación al tratamiento se mencionan las modalidades conservadoras y quirúrgicas. Conclusiones: El síndrome de la banda iliotibial es una enfermedad que tiene como característica fundamental dolor lateral de la rodilla el cual aumenta con la actividad física. El tratamiento conservador constituye la primera línea y el quirúrgico está justificado a los seis meses de respuesta limitada a la primera modalidad del enfrentamiento terapéutico(AU)

Introduction: Knee pain responds to multiple causes such as the iliotibial band syndrome that mainly affects young patients who practice certain sports activities. Objective: To update and offer information on iliotibial band syndrome. Methods: The search and analysis of the information was carried out in a period of 92 days - from July 1 to September 30, 2020, with the words iliotibial band syndrome, iliotibial band friction syndrome AND lateral knee pain. A bibliographic review of 186 articles published in PubMed, Hinari, SciELO and Medline databases was carried out using the EndNote search manager and reference manager, Forty citations were selected to perform the review, 38 of them were from the last five years. Development: The most important anatomical characteristics related to the iliotibial band are mentioned. They refer to the maneuvers used, as well as the most useful imaging tests. The main entities involved in the differential diagnosis are presented. Regarding treatment, conservative and surgical modalities are mentioned. Conclusions: The iliotibial band syndrome is a disease, main characterized by lateral knee pain, which increases with physical activity. Conservative treatment constitutes the first option; in addition, surgical treatment is justified after six months of limited response to the first option of therapeutic management(AU)

Ultrasound-guided release for iliotibial band syndrome: A novel ultraminimally invasive surgical procedure.

BACKGROUND: Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome is the most common cause of lateral knee pain in runners (affecting 7-14%) and in persons taking part in other sports. The aim of this study was to show how to perform a distal release of the ITB guided by ultrasound and present our initial results with this new technique. METHODS: The surgical technique - either Z-plasty or transverse section of the ITB - was first validated on 14 cadaver specimens and then applied in clinical practice. We operated on 32 patients (27 males and five females, 34 cases) from 2013 to 2018. Mean age was 40 years (25-60). The patients comprised 21 recreational middle- or long-distance runners (23 cases), five cyclists, two basketball players, two military personnel, one fireman, and one boxer. RESULTS: All patients were satisfied after 3 months and returned to their sporting activities without restrictions. The visual analog scale score for the practice of sports activities improved from 7 (6-9) before surgery to 0 (0-1) after. The average Lysholm score was 68 points before surgery and 97 (91-100) after, with five good results and 29 excellent results. No patients complained of instability or muscle weakness after 3 months. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided release of the ITB is a novel minimally aggressive surgical approach that potentially enables faster recovery. It is relatively easy, quick, and painless, with a small incision, and can be performed under local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting. It does not require limb exsanguination or stitches, and complications are minimal.

Effects of running biomechanics on the occurrence of iliotibial band syndrome in male runners during an eight-week running programme-a prospective study.

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common injury that is related to running biomechanics. This study aimed to determine the gait characteristics that easily induce ITBS and explore the gait changes after the occurrence of ITBS. Thirty healthy male recreational runners participated in our study. Amongst them, 15 developed ITBS and comprised the ITBS group; the other 15 were healthy and comprised the control group. All participants underwent two gait trials, namely, before the first day of their running and after eight weeks, during which a force platform and a motion capture system collected biomechanical data. After running, the ITBS group exhibited greater anterior pelvic tilt and hip flexion angle than the control group. The ITBS group showed increased trunk inclination angle, whereas the control group demonstrated lower hip flexion, hip adduction angle and hip abductor moment than those at the beginning of running. Decreasing hip flexion, adduction angle and abductor moment may be a reasonable strategy to avoid the occurrence of ITBS. The occurrence of ITBS may be due to the lack of timely gait adjustment. Excessive trunk inclination and anterior pelvic tilt angle may be risks factor in the development of ITBS during running.

Measurement of iliotibial band diameter in iliotibial band friction syndrome and comparison with an asymptomatic population.

BACKGROUND: Iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) is an overuse injury of the lateral aspect of the knee. This syndrome classically affects the active young population. PURPOSE: To determine the diameter of the ITB using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients clinically diagnosed with ITBFS, compare the results with asymptomatic patients, and assess the inter-observer agreement between a senior and a junior radiologist with different levels of experience in musculoskeletal imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From April 2014 to October 2019, 78 knee MRI scans of 78 patients were included in the study group who were referred from the orthopedic clinic with a clinical diagnosis of ITBFS. In the control group, there were 114 knee MRI scans of 114 patients who had knee MRI for various reasons and had no radiological abnormality on the performed knee MRI. The ITB diameters, cut-off values, and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. RESULTS: Mean thickness of the ITB was higher in the study group compared to the control group in measurements done by both the senior and junior radiologists and this was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Cut-off values of the diameters of the ITB were calculated as 2.385 for the senior radiologist and 2.420 for the junior radiologist. ICC of 0.80 was determined, which showed excellent agreement among interpreters. CONCLUSION: ITB thickness in the study group was significantly higher than in the control group. There was also excellent agreement among the two observers. Measurement of ITB thickness on axial plane knee MRI is one of the reliable criteria for ITBFS.

Stiffness of the iliotibial band and associated muscles in runner's knee: Assessing the effects of physiotherapy through ultrasound shear wave elastography.

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is caused by excessive iliotibial band (ITB) tension, promoted by hip abductor and external rotator weakness, and evaluate the influence of 6 weeks of physiotherapy on ITB stiffness. DESIGN: Interventional study with control group. SETTING: Clinical. PARTICIPANTS: 14 recreational runners with ITBS and 14 healthy controls of both sexes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ultrasound shear wave elastography, hip muscle strength, visual analog scale pain, subjective lower extremity function. RESULTS: No statistical differences in ITB tension between legs as well as between patients suffering from ITBS and healthy controls were detected. Results showed significant strength deficits in hip abduction, adduction as well as external and internal rotation. Following six weeks of physiotherapy, hip muscle strength (all directions but abduction), pain and lower extremity function were significantly improved. ITB stiffness, however, was found to be increased compared to baseline measurements. CONCLUSION: Shear wave elastography data suggest that ITB tension is not increased in the affected legs of runners with ITBS compared to the healthy leg or a physical active control group, respectively. Current approaches to the conservative management of ITBS appear ineffective in lowering ITB tone.

Ultrasound of iliotibial band syndrome.

Iliotibial band syndrome or friction syndrome is an overuse disorder of the lateral knee. It is commonly reported in athletes, such as runners and cyclists, and refers to pain related to physical activity. The diagnosis is based on clinical history and physical assessment. Imaging, including ultrasound, is mainly performed in recurrent or refractory cases. The purpose of this paper is to review the etiology, diagnosis, and therapy of iliotibial band syndrome with a focus on ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-guided treatment. Ultrasound findings include soft-tissue edematous swelling or discrete fluid collection, suggestive of bursitis, between the iliotibial band and the lateral femoral epicondyle. The thickening of the iliotibial band has been inconsistently reported. Treatment varies according to the disease phase and, in the acute phase, consists of rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Ultrasound-guided local steroid injections are effective in relieving symptoms.