Iliotibial Band Syndrome: A Friction Syndrome or a Compression Syndrome? by Stephanie Peterson

Iliotibial Band Syndrome: A Friction Syndrome or a Compression Syndrome? by Stephanie Peterson

Biology

For a long time, Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS), a common injury seen in athletes of all different backgrounds, was believed to be due to friction between the iliotibial band (ITB) and the lateral femoral epicondyle of the femur. However, Fairclough et al. 2006 recently proposed a new compression model that looks at the compression of a highly innervated fatty tissue layer beneath the ITB, instead of the pain stemming from the ITB itself. This new model has led researchers to rethink previous beliefs and conduct more research to better understand the syndrome. Under further examination, MRI’s back up Fairclough et al. by revealing the presence of inflammation beneath the ITB in a layer of highly innervated fatty tissue that becomes tightly compressed during 30° flexion, an angle that can be reached by an activity as simple as climbing a flight of stairs. Further research has been performed to reevaluate two precursors that have been found to be associated with ITBS in the past, increased peak hip adduction and increased peak internal knee rotation, to determine whether it would be possible for them to lead to the new compression syndrome. Due to the ability of both of these precursors to pull the ITB tighter than it normally would be, it was concluded that they could increase the pressure the ITB places on the highly innervated fatty tissue layer, resulting in the compression syndrome.

Stephanie Peterson

Senior Showcase Oral Presentation

Ripon College

April 18, 2017

The author reserves all rights.

Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology

Wild Rose, Wisconsin