ITB surgery

ITB (Iliotibial band) Syndrome, is a common problem affecting runners.

It presents as sharp pain on the outside of the knee and is often a condition affecting new runners or those that increase their running volume quickly.

Most cases settle with modified running volume, and/or physiotherapy.

Occasionally symptoms persist despite these interventions.

One of the Sport and Exercise Medicine Physicians at Lifecare Ashburton Sports Medicine, Dr Peter Fuller, has a particular interest in this condition.

For recalcitrant cases of ITB syndrome, he can perform a ‘percutaneous tenotomy’ (a small cut at the back of the ITB), that is often an effective way to treat this problem.

The procedure is performed at the clinic with the use of local anaesthetic only.

The patient does not need a prolonged period away from work (normally return to work is possible on Monday morning after a Friday afternoon procedure) and return to running normally occurs around three to four weeks after the procedure.

This can be a cost effective option when open (or traditional) surgery is being considered after all other conservative options have been exhausted.

If you are interested in learning more about this procedure, please contact the clinic on (03) 9885 8961 to discuss.

A medical or physiotherapy referral is required to see Dr Fuller (medical referral preferred)