- Discussion:
- an overuse phenomenon which is common in runners (more common w/ downhill running); (see running injuries)
- pts usually have pain over lateral femoral epicondyle, which is caused by inflammation resulting from friction as iliotibial band slides over condylar prominence;
- syndrome may be more common in runners w/ genu varum & hyperpronated feet;
- this may occur due to need for lower limb to generate a valgus moment at the point of maximum stance phase flexion inorder to balance out opposing forces;
- varus limb alignment requires larger valgus moment at time of stance phase, which causes increased friction between IT band and lateral epicondyle;
- clinical findings:
- athletes usually complains of pain over the lateral aspect of knee;
- pain over lateral femoral epicondyle, due to inflammation resulting from friction as iliotibial tract slides over condyle;
- there is tenderness where iliotibial band slides over lateral prominence or at Gerdy's tubercle;
- diff dx:
- includes lateral meniscal tear, discoid lateral meniscus, popliteus tendinitis, and patellofemoral pain syndrome;
- treatment:
- non operative rx includes stretching, orthosis, and steroid injections;
- in chronic cases bursectomy and lateral tendon resection may relieve symptoms
- References:
Functional differentiation within the tensor fasciae latae. A telemetered electromyographic analysis of its locomotor roles.