THE KNEE AND HIP JOINT ANGLE WHEN ILIOTIBIAL BAND SLIDE OVER THE LATERAL FEMORAL EPICONDYLE

Abstract

According to a previous study, the knee flexion angle, is approximately 30°when the iliotibial band (ITB) slides over the lateral femoral epicondyle. However, the corresponding hip joint flexion angle has not yet been determined. The purpose of this study was to examine whether hip joint flexion angle affects the location of the ITB. The study included 16 uninjured male subjects. The subjects had their knee flexion angle measured when the ITB slides over the lateral femoral epicondyle at five different hip joint angles: 10° of extension and 0°, 20°, 40°, 60° of flexion. As the hip joint flexion angle increased, the knee flexion angle also increased. It should be considered that the position of the ITB affects the knee joint angle, as well as the hip joint angle. The findings of this study may help improve the treatment and prevention of ITB friction syndrome.