Iliotibial band syndrome: An examination of the evidence behind a number of treatment options

E C Falvey; Ross Clark; A Franklyn-Miller; A L Bryant; C Briggs; P R McCrory

doi:10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.00968.x

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Iliotibial band syndrome: An examination of the evidence behind a number of treatment options

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Iliotibial band syndrome: An examination of the evidence behind a number of treatment options

E C Falvey, Ross Clark, A Franklyn-Miller, A L Bryant, C Briggs and P R McCrory

Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, Vol.20(4), pp.580-587

2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.00968.x

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Abstract

Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome (ITBS) is a common cause of distal lateral thigh pain in athletes. Treatment often focuses on stretching the ITB and treating local inflammation at the lateral femoral condyle (LFC). We examine the area's anatomical and biomechanical properties. Anatomical studies of the ITB of 20 embalmed cadavers. The strain generated in the ITB by three typical stretching maneuvers (Ober test; Hip flexion, adduction and external rotation, with added knee flexion and straight leg raise to 30°) was measured in five unembalmed cadavers using strain gauges. Displacement of the Tensae Fasciae Latae (TFL)/ITB junction was measured on 20 subjects during isometric hip abduction. The ITB was uniformly a lateral thickening of the circumferential fascia lata, firmly attached along the linea aspera (femur) from greater trochanter up to and including the LFC. The microstrain values [median (IQR)] for the OBER [15.4(5.1-23.3)me], HIP [21.1(15.6-44.6)me] and SLR [9.4(5.1-10.7)me] showed marked disparity in the optimal inter-limb stretching protocol. HIP stretch invoked significantly (Z=2.10, P=0.036) greater strain than the SLR. TFL/ITB junction displacement was 2.0±1.6 mm and mean ITB lengthening was <0.5% (effect size=0.04). Our results challenge the reasoning behind a number of accepted means of treating ITBS. Future research must focus on stretching and lengthening the muscular component of the ITB/TFL complex. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Details

Title: Iliotibial band syndrome: An examination of the evidence behind a number of treatment options
Authors: E C Falvey (Author) - Cork University Hospital
Ross Clark (Author) - University of Melbourne
A Franklyn-Miller (Author) - University of Melbourne
A L Bryant (Author) - University of Melbourne
C Briggs (Author) - University of Melbourne
P R McCrory (Author) - University of Melbourne
Publication details: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, Vol.20(4), pp.580-587
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Date published: 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.00968.x
ISSN: 0905-7188
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450588702621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Sport Sciences