American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What type of pain is typically associated with iliotibial band syndrome?

1. Ankle pain

2. Medial pain

3. Lateral pain

4. Posterior pain

The correct answer is: Lateral pain

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is primarily characterized by pain on the lateral aspect of the knee, which is where the iliotibial band, a thick band of fascia running along the outside of the thigh from hip to knee, becomes tight or inflamed. This condition is often seen in athletes, particularly runners and cyclists, due to repetitive motion and overuse. The pain typically occurs when the knee is bent and straightened, exacerbated by activities like running downhill or on a banked surface. The discomfort may become more pronounced with increased activity, leading to the classic symptom of lateral knee pain. Understanding the specific location of the pain is crucial for diagnosis and treatment; therefore, recognizing that ITBS is linked to lateral knee pain aids in differentiating it from other conditions that might cause pain in different areas of the knee or leg.