Iliotibial Band Release

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Hi All

I wanted to start a discussion on the idea of IT Band Release during Limb Lengthening.

After speaking to 2 x different UK doctors about what IT band release is and its benefits in relation to limb lengthening I have discovered that there a few different methods of IT Band Release.

"Minor" IT Band Release is an incision across the IT Band usually above the knee that allows the IT Band to lengthen by 1.5 - 2cm. This type of minor release is done in day surgery where you are in and out on the same day and the surgery takes approx 1hour (usually 20mins per leg).

More significant IT Band Release can allow the IT Band to lengthen by up to 6cm using what is called a Z incision (both ends of the IT Band can be strengthened with a tendon but this depends on the surgeon)

From what the doctors have told me that minor IT Band release causes very little long term effects, one of the doctors whom i spoke to carried out IT release on a runner how went on to continue running a few weeks post op.

Significant IT Band Release causes much more long term problems which is largely that there will be a very weak point in the IT that will never heal to its full strength.

My question is why do some doctors prefer to carry out IT Release and others do not.

Also are there any patients who have had IT Band release and can you describe your experience.

Finally are there any patients who wished they did do IT Band release in order to achieve an additional 1 cm or so during lengthening.

Many Thanks

S Souten.

Edit Post

Thanks for the insight.

It seems as though everyone who I have spoke to about IT Band release who have done it are very happy that they did and those who did not regret not doing it.


Can I ask are you currently going through LL with Paley at this moment in time?

Did you have your IT Band released during the LL operation or did you do it after?

Thanks