Abstract
The goals of this study were to determine the outcome of surgical iliotibial band release in long-distance runners with iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS).
A retrospective study of 66 patients (94 ITBFS) treated between 1995 and 1999 was performed. The diagnosis was made clinically by the presence of a positive Noble test. All other pathology was excluded. All patients had failed a trial of conservative therapy consisting of rest, physiotherapy, activity modification and corticosteroid injections.
Surgery was performed on an outpatient basis and patients were monitored postoperatively for at least two years. The outcome was assessed according to patient satisfaction, the time it took to return to running, level of activity and surgical complications.
Most patients were able to start running again within six weeks of surgery. Complications included three superficial infections and two cases of prolonged pain. The procedure was unsuccessful in three patients. Ninety-six percent of patients said that they would have this procedure again.
ITBFS is common in long-distance runners in this country. This is a safe, simple and effective surgical alternative for patients who do not respond to conservative treatment.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M.B.E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at PO Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg 2121, South Africa.
