Purpose: To assess for iliotibial band friction syndrome.
Test Position: Supine.
Performing the Test: The affected limb's hip and knee are passively flexed to 90 degrees. The examiner applies pressure with the thumb over the IT Band proximal to the lateral femoral condyle. The patient then actively extends the hip and knee. Pain produced over the distal IT band, where the pressure is being applied, before 30 degrees short of knee extension is a positive test. Pain produced at less than 30 degrees of knee flexion is not a positive test.
Diagnostic Accuracy: Unknown.
Importance of Test: Patient suffering from knee pain as a result of the IT Band can have their pain reproduced (and exaggerated) by this test, because the examiner is amplifying the compression placed on the distal IT Band with his/her thumb. With that amplified pressure, the patient's active extension can simulate the activity that causes the pain to determine the contribution of the IT Band to the patient's symptoms.
Note: these tests should only be used by properly trained health care practitioners