Abstract：Objective To analyze MRI features of iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) and to explore the correlation between ITBFS and lateral epicondylar protrusion of knee joint. Methods A total of 60 patients with clinical diagnosis of ITBFS from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected as case group and another 60 patients with exercise history and knee pain with negative MRI were selected as control group. The MRI imaging features of ITBFS in both groups were observed and analyzed, and the knee iliotibial band thickness, lateral epicondyle height and lateral condyle thickness were measured and compared between the two groups. Results MRI images of ITBFS patients showed uneven thickening of iliotibial band, increased local signal, edema of adipose tissue or localized effusion between iliotibial band and lateral femoral condyle, accompanied by bone marrow edema at the iliotibial band attachment. The horizontal iliotibial tract thickness of lateral femoral condyle [(4.23±0.78)mm]in the case group was significantly thicker than that of control group [(2.91±0.43)mm] (P<0.05). The iliotibial tract thickness of chronic phase [(4.53±0.83)mm] was significantly thicker than that of acute phase [(3.96±0.62)mm] , and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The lateral condyle height of the knee in the case group [(14.33±0.95)mm] was higher than that of the control group [(12.61±0.98)mm], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Lateral condyle thickness was similar between the two groups, but the lateral condyle height index (lateral epicondyle height/lateral condyle thickness) in the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group, with statistical significance (0.23±0.02) (P<0.05). Conclusions Protrusion of lateral epicondyle of knee joint is a high risk factor of ITBFS. MRI of ITBFS has typical imaging features.
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2024, Vol. 35 
