⚕️FREE MSRA PODCAST –Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)

🎧 The rapid, practical guide to mastering ITBS –perfect for MSRA revision, clinic, or on the move.

🧠Key Learning Points

📌Definition

• Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common overuse injury of the lateral (outer)knee, caused by repetitive friction of the iliotibial band over the lateralfemoral epicondyle.

• Particularlycommon in runners and cyclists.

📌Causes & RiskFactors

• Repetitive flexion/extension of the knee(running, cycling) causes friction/compression of the IT band at the knee

• Biomechanical issues:

 – Excessive footpronation

 – Leg lengthdiscrepancy

 – Hip abductorweakness

• Training errors:

 – Sudden increasein distance or intensity

 – Poor technique

 – Inadequatestretching or warm-up

• Key risk group: Endurance athletes, especiallythose increasing activity too quickly

Mnemonic: “Runner’sfriction at the knee = ITBS”

📌Pathophysiology

• Friction between the IT band and the lateralfemoral condyle leads to inflammation andmicrotrauma

• Chronic casescause thickening of the IT band and persistent pain

📌Symptoms &Clinical Features

• Lateral knee pain (sharp, burning, or stinging)

• Worse withrepetitive knee movements – especially runningdownhill or cycling

• Sometimes swellingor “snapping” sensation at the knee

• No mechanicallocking or instability

Classic clue: Pain at lateral knee, worse withactivity, especially in athletes

📌DifferentialDiagnosis

• Patellofemoralpain syndrome (“runner’s knee”)

• Lateral meniscustear

• Bursitis

• Stress fracture

• Referred pain (hipor lumbar spine)

📌Diagnosis

• Primarily clinical: History of activity-relatedlateral knee pain, exam shows tenderness at the lateral femoral condyle

• Special tests: Ober’s test (tightness), Noble’s compression test (reproduce pain)

• Imaging(ultrasound, MRI) only if diagnosis is unclear or to rule out differentials

📌Management

• Conservative first:

 – Rest and activity modification (stop or reduceoffending activity)

 – Physiotherapy: IT band stretching,strengthening hip abductors (gluteus medius), core stability

 – Correctbiomechanical issues (footwear, orthotics if needed)

• Simple analgesia: NSAIDs for short-termpain/inflammation

• Persistent cases: Corticosteroid injection atthe IT band insertion (rarely needed)

• Surgery: Only for resistant chronic cases

Mnemonic: “R.I.C.E.S.– Rest, Ice, Correction, Exercises, Stretch”

📌Prognosis &Complications

• Excellent prognosis with early conservativemanagement

• Untreated, canbecome chronic, causing persistent painand limiting activity

• Important toaddress underlying biomechanical issues to prevent recurrence

📎MSRA Resources forIliotibial Band Syndrome

📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/iliotibial-band-syndrome-revision-notes/

💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/iliotibial-band-syndrome-accordion-qa-notes/

🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/iliotibial-band-syndrome-flashcards/

🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/iliotibial-band-syndrome-rapid-quiz/

🎓 Full Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/iliotibial-band-syndrome/

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