Conservative therapy
The conservative therapy for an iliotibial band syndrome consists largely of In addition, physiotherapeutic treatment is used. If no conservative therapy promises any prospect of improvement, surgical intervention may be considered. In this operation, the tractus iliotibialis is lengthened by making an incision of the iliotibial ligament.
- Gentle for several weeks
- Administration of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac and ibuprofen
- Pain treatment with analgesics
- The injection of cortisone into the knee joint gap or surrounding tissue can also be used to inhibit inflammation
OP – what is done?
If bone parts of the femur protrude, they can be removed surgically. The space gained removes the friction between the tractus and the femur, which causes pain. If the tractus iliotibialis is shortened, a Z-shaped incision is made, which allows the iliotibial ligament to be lengthened and thus also reduces the pain. If inflamed or necrotized tissue is present in the area of the knee joint gap, an arthroscopy of the knee joint is performed with subsequent removal (resection) of the affected tissue sections.
OP Duration
The duration of a surgical procedure to alleviate the symptoms of an iliotibial band syndrome depends strongly on the complexity of the measures to be performed. If there is no leg axis malalignment, intra-articular inflammation or leg length difference, a shortening of the tractus iliotibialis can be performed minimally invasively within 30-50 minutes. If shortening and removal of protruding bone material from the femur is required, the procedure is extended accordingly. Leg axis malpositions also lead to a longer lasting operation.
Pain after surgery
Pain that occurs after the operation is not uncommon, since the surgical intervention on the iliotibial ligament and possible axial straightening in the knee joint means that the overall joint play (joint play) is different from before the operation. Muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue must first adapt to the new interaction. These adaptation processes also lead to noticeable overheating due to increased blood circulation in the affected area compared to the side that was not operated on.
Swelling or deposits of lymph fluid around the operated area can also occur, causing pain or a feeling of tension. In addition, even a rest period of a few days can lead to a reduction in muscle mass in the affected leg and to a shortening of tendons and ligaments. Early scar mobilization is particularly important after the surgical procedure and subsequent removal of the stitches, as otherwise the scar tissue remains very rigid and immobile and can cause pain if there is a large degree of movement. The rehabilitation is accompanied by adapted physiotherapy:
- Scar mobilization
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Leg axis training
- Soft tissue techniques
