MRI Iliotibial Band And ITB Friction

Anterolateral knee joint line pain can be caused by friction by the iliotibial band on the underlying fat from repetitive motion. This is a review of the MRI findings of the normal ITB and in ITB friction syndrome.

SEQUENCES AND PLANES TO ASSESS:

  1. Best seen on the coronal and axial PDFS scans.
  2. On anterior most slices look deep to distal ITB proximal to its attachment for increased signal.
  3. If there is fluid signal make sure its not fluid from the suprapatellar recess which can extend laterally by following the fluid to see if it is contained or continuous with the supra patella recess.

mri iliotibial band friction syndrome radiology education asia

mri iliotibial band friction syndrome findings thick itb radiology education asiaImage Above: The most common finding is to see increased T2 signal deep to the ITB. Oedema in the lateral femoral condyle can be seen but is less common.

mri iliotibial band friction syndrome findings thick itb inflammation radiology education asiaImage above: Thick ITB  ( yellow arrows) is less commonly seen.

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