Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42616147›Full record

ReviewSurgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA2026

The iliotibial band revisited: surgical anatomy and imaging-based guidelines for lateral tenodesis in ACL reconstruction.

Łukasz Olewnik, Ingrid C Landfald, Robert F LaPrade, Daniel Casanova, Michał Podgórski, Bartosz Gonera

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Łukasz OlewnikDepartment of Clinical Anatomy, Mazovian Academy in Płock, Płock, Poland. l.olewnik@mazowiecka.edu.pl.
Ingrid C LandfaldDepartment of Clinical Anatomy, Mazovian Academy in Płock, Płock, Poland.
Robert F LaPradeTwin Cities Orthopedics, Edina and Eagan, MN, USA.
Daniel CasanovaVARIANTIS Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Anatomy, Mazovian Academy in Płock, Płock, Poland.
Michał PodgórskiDepartment of Radiology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
Bartosz GoneraDepartment of Clinical Anatomy, Mazovian Academy in Płock, Płock, Poland.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeTo provide an updated, clinically oriented review of the iliotibial band (ITB), emphasizing its surgical anatomy, biomechanical relevance, imaging correlates, and role in knee ligament reconstruction, with a focus on lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) augmentation.

methodsA structured narrative review was conducted, summarizing anatomical, biomechanical, radiological, clinical, and surgical literature. Key elements included gross and histological anatomy of the ITB, its relationship with Kaplan fibers and anterolateral capsulo-fascial structures, imaging assessment using MRI and ultrasound, and evidence supporting ITB-based procedures in selected ACL reconstruction settings.

resultsThe ITB functions as both a passive and dynamic stabilizer of the lateral knee and contributes to control of internal tibial rotation, particularly in ACL-deficient or high-risk knees. Its deep capsulo-osseous component, including the Kaplan fibers, forms part of the broader anterolateral restraint system. MRI and ultrasound may support anatomical correlation and evaluation of associated lesions, but imaging findings should be interpreted as complementary to clinical assessment rather than as independent determinants of LET indication. In selected high-risk populations, including young pivoting-sport athletes, revision ACL patients, and patients with generalized laxity, ITB-based LET has been associated with improved rotatory control and reduced graft failure risk when appropriate tensioning principles are respected.

conclusionThe ITB is a clinically relevant anatomical and biomechanical structure in contemporary ACL reconstruction. Its layered architecture and relationship with Kaplan fibers help explain the rationale for selective LET augmentation. Current evidence supports ITB-based LET as an adjunct in appropriately risk-stratified patients, while imaging should be viewed as supportive for anatomical correlation and associated pathology rather than as a stand-alone basis for surgical decision-making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V (Narrative review).

Indexed as

Anterior Cruciate Ligament InjuriesAnterior Cruciate Ligament ReconstructionKnee JointTenodesisAnterior Cruciate LigamentBiomechanical PhenomenaHumansMagnetic Resonance ImagingPractice Guidelines as TopicUltrasonographyACL reconstructionAnterolateral ligamentIliotibial bandKaplan fibersKnee stabilityLateral tenodesisOrthopaedic surgery

Identifiers

PMID42616147
PMCPMC13490228

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.