American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What symptom is commonly experienced alongside iliotibial band syndrome?

1. Medial knee swelling

2. Weakness of hip abductors

3. Ankle pain

4. Foot drop

The correct answer is: Weakness of hip abductors

Iliotibial band syndrome, often encountered in runners and athletes, is characterized by pain on the lateral aspect of the knee due to friction between the iliotibial band and the lateral femoral epicondyle. Besides the primary symptom of pain, weakness of the hip abductors is commonly associated with this condition. The hip abductors, primarily the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, play a crucial role in stabilizing the pelvis when one leg is in the stance phase of walking or running. Weakness or dysfunction in these muscles can contribute to altered gait mechanics, leading to increased stress on the iliotibial band. As the hip abductors fail to provide sufficient pelvic stability, this can exacerbate the friction and irritation at the lateral knee, culminating in the development of iliotibial band syndrome. Therefore, identifying weakness in the hip abductors is a key factor in managing this condition and preventing recurrence. Other symptoms such as medial knee swelling, ankle pain, or foot drop are not commonly associated with iliotibial band syndrome. Medial knee swelling typically suggests other pathologies like medial meniscus injuries or other sources of knee effusion rather than issues with the iliotibial band. Ankle