Background: Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome is the most common cause of lateral knee pain in runners (affecting 7-14%) and in persons taking part in other sports. The aim of this study was to show how to perform a distal release of the ITB guided by ultrasound and present our initial results with this new technique.
Methods: The surgical technique - either Z-plasty or transverse section of the ITB - was first validated on 14 cadaver specimens and then applied in clinical practice. We operated on 32 patients (27 males and five females, 34 cases) from 2013 to 2018. Mean age was 40 years (25-60). The patients comprised 21 recreational middle- or long-distance runners (23 cases), five cyclists, two basketball players, two military personnel, one fireman, and one boxer.
Results: All patients were satisfied after 3 months and returned to their sporting activities without restrictions. The visual analog scale score for the practice of sports activities improved from 7 (6-9) before surgery to 0 (0-1) after. The average Lysholm score was 68 points before surgery and 97 (91-100) after, with five good results and 29 excellent results. No patients complained of instability or muscle weakness after 3 months.
Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided release of the ITB is a novel minimally aggressive surgical approach that potentially enables faster recovery. It is relatively easy, quick, and painless, with a small incision, and can be performed under local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting. It does not require limb exsanguination or stitches, and complications are minimal.
Keywords: Iliotibial band syndrome; Knee; MIS surgery; Ultrasound-guided release.
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