Authors: Manuel Villanueva, Álvaro Iborra, Pablo Sanz-Ruiz, Concepción Noriega
Published: March 27, 2021
Abstract
Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome is the most common cause of lateral knee pain in runners and in persons taking part in other sports. This study demonstrates the procedure and initial results of a distal release of the ITB guided by ultrasound, a new technique in treating this condition.
Background
Affecting 7–14% of runners, Iliotibial Band Syndrome is a prevalent condition. This study aims to showcase the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided ITB release in treating this syndrome.
Methods
The surgical technique involved either Z-plasty or transverse section of the ITB, first validated on 14 cadaver specimens before clinical application. A total of 32 patients underwent this procedure, covering a diverse range of athletes and professions.
Results
Post-operation, all patients showed significant improvement in pain and function, with no reports of instability or muscle weakness. The study highlights the procedure's success through various metrics, including the visual analog scale and the Lysholm score.
Conclusion
The ultrasound-guided release of the ITB offers a minimally aggressive, effective approach for treating ITB syndrome. Its benefits include faster recovery, minimal pain, no need for stitches, and fewer complications.