Knee: iliotibial band syndrome: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Knee: iliotibial band syndrome

Sample item

A marathon runner has lateral knee pain that begins after a fixed distance, with tenderness over the lateral femoral epicondyle. What is the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Iliotibial band friction syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome is friction of the band over the lateral femoral epicondyle during repeated flexion and extension in runners and cyclists. Pain is worst at about 30 degrees of flexion, and treatment is rest, stretching and correction of training errors.

Option by option

  • A. Popliteus tendinitis only

    Popliteus tendinitis causes posterolateral pain.

  • B. Lateral meniscus tear

    A lateral meniscus tear causes locking and joint line tenderness.

  • C. Patellar dislocation

    Patellar dislocation is an acute event.

  • D. Iliotibial band friction syndrome (correct)

    Correct. Lateral epicondyle pain in a runner points to ITB syndrome.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Iliotibial band friction syndrome. Iliotibial band syndrome is friction of the band over the lateral femoral epicondyle during repeated flexion and extension in runners and cyclists.

Why is "Popliteus tendinitis only" not the answer?

Popliteus tendinitis causes posterolateral pain.

Why is "Lateral meniscus tear" not the answer?

A lateral meniscus tear causes locking and joint line tenderness.

Why is "Patellar dislocation" not the answer?

Patellar dislocation is an acute event.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Knee: iliotibial band syndrome in Orthopaedics. Pain is worst at about 30 degrees of flexion, and treatment is rest, stretching and correction of training errors.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Knee: iliotibial band syndrome?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.