(English) Episode 238-Strong Hips Fix IT Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common injury among runners and other endurance athletes, although the best management options are not clearly established. This review outlines both conservative and surgical options for the treatment of iliotibial band syndrome in the athletic population.Ten studies met the inclusion criteria by focusing on the athletic population in their analysis of both conservative and surgical treatments for iliotibial band syndrome.Conservative management, consisting of a combination of rest (2–6 weeks), stretching, pain management, and modification of running habits, resulted in a 44% complete cure rate with a return to sport at 8 weeks, and a 91.7% cure rate with a return to sport 6 months after the injury.Surgical treatment, often reserved for refractory cases, consisted of the excision or release of the pathological distal portion of the iliotibial band or a bursectomy. Studies focusing on the excision or release of the pathological distal portion of the iliotibial band showed a 100% return-to-sport rate at both 7 weeks and 3 months post-injury.Despite numerous surgical and conservative treatment options, there is not yet a consensus on a standard of care. Certain treatments, both conservative and surgical, appear to be more effective than others in our review; however, further research is needed to define the true pathophysiology of iliotibial band syndrome in athletes, as well as the optimal treatment regimen.(Beals C, Flanigan D. A review of treatments for iliotibial band syndrome in the athletic population. J Sports Med (Hindawi Publ Corp) [Internet]. 2013;2013:367169. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/367169)