title: Is iliotibial band syndrome really a friction syndrome?
abstract: Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome is regarded as an overuse injury, common in runners and cyclists. It is believed to be associated with excessive friction between the tract and the lateral femoral epicondyle-friction which 'inflames' the tract or a bursa. This article highlights evidence which challenges these views. Basic anatomical principles of the ITB have been overlooked: (a) it is not a discrete structure, but a thickened part of the fascia lata which envelops the thigh, (b) it is connected to the linea aspera by an intermuscular septum and to the supracondylar region of the femur (including the epicondyle) by coarse, fibrous bands (which are not pathological adhesions) that are clearly visible by dissection or MRI and (c) a bursa is rarely present-but may be mistaken for the lateral recess of the knee. We would thus suggest that the ITB cannot create frictional forces by moving forwards and backwards over the epicondyle during flexion and extension of the knee. The perception of movement of the ITB across the epicondyle is an illusion because of changing tension in its anterior and posterior fibres. Nevertheless, slight medial-lateral movement is possible and we propose that ITB syndrome is caused by increased compression of a highly vascularised and innervated layer of fat and loose connective tissue that separates the ITB from the epicondyle. Our view is that ITB syndrome is related to impaired function of the hip musculature and that its resolution can only be properly achieved when the biomechanics of hip muscle function are properly addressed.
authors.affiliation: School of Sport and Physical Recreation, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, UK. fairoak@btopenworld.com
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fairclough
authors.forename: Koji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hayashi
authors.forename: Hechmi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Toumi
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lyons
authors.forename: Graeme
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bydder
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: Thomas M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Best
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Benjamin
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000473:pathology*; D005206:Fascia Lata / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries*; D005269:Femur; D017276:Friction; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D013577:Syndrome; D013710:Tendons / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013977:Tibia