Abstract
In a retrospective study of 100 cases treated between 1995 and 1999, we evaluated the outcome of surgical iliotibial band release in long-distance runners with ilio-tibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS).
All patients had a positive Noble test. All other pathology was excluded. Conservative therapy comprising rest, physiotherapy, activity modification and corticosteroid injection had proved ineffective.
Surgery was performed as an outpatient procedure and patients were followed up for at least two years postoperatively. The outcome was assessed by the time to return to running, the level of activity, patient satisfaction and the surgical technique.
Iliotibial band release offers an effective surgical alternative to patients with ITBFS who do not respond to conservative treatment.
The abstracts were edited by Prof. M.B.E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical School, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193 South Africa
