Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome - MSK Radiology
Imaging Findings:
• The iliotibial band (ITB) is thickened with no tear visualized.
• Ill-defined area of increased signal on fluid-sensitive sequences between the lateral femoral condyle (LFC) and ITB.
Case description:
• Clinical: anterolateral knee pain with point tenderness 1-2 cm proximal to lateral joint line.
• Treatment: Conservative measures and image-guided steroid injection (may accelerate recovery).
• Chronic inflammatory response to friction between the TIB and LFC causing ill-defined increased signal in this region on fluid-sensitive sequences.
• Findings of chronic disease:
- Thickening of the IT B and superficial increased T2-signal.
- Reactive marrow edema in the adjacent LFC.
Differential diagnosis for similar location of pain:
• Fluid in lateral knee joint recess: Well-defined margins and connection to knee joint is seen.
• Lateral collateral ligament complex injury: Signal around and/or within lateral ligaments.
• Direct trauma/contusion: Soft-tissue swelling is predominant, with minimal fluid-signal deep to ITB.
Dr. Donald von Borstel @DrvonBorstel
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