Knee

Iliotibial band syndrome

Mechanism

Compression of the fat pad beneath the tract against the lateral femoral condyle at around 30 degrees of knee flexion. Reduced hip abductor strength and increased running volume are the usual triggers.

Recognition

Sharp lateral knee pain appearing after a fixed distance or time and easing on stopping, with tenderness above the joint line and a positive Noble test.

Course

The old explanation of a tendon sliding back and forth over the condyle does not hold: there is too little slack for that movement. The current explanation is compression of the underlying tissue.

Structures

• Fascial system of lower limb (Fascia lata, IT band, crural fascia, plantar fascia, septa)
• Tensor Fasciae Latae
• Gluteus maximus

Joints involved

• Knee joint

Clinical tests

• Noble compression test

Sources

• Magee DJ, Manske RC. Orthopedic Physical Assessment, 7e editie. Elsevier. 2021