Epidemiology

The epidemiology of ITBS is difficult to establish as most studies report on the incidence of knee injuries rather than ITBS itself.[8]​ Variability also exists in the reporting methods for ITBS injury rates (e.g., reporting ITBS as a percentage of running injuries rather than as an incidence in the general running population).[8]

Depending on the population studied, the incidence of the ITBS has been estimated to range from 1.6% to 52%.[9][10]​ It is the most common cause of lateral knee pain in runners and cyclists, with a reported incidence as high as 22.2% of all lower extremity injuries.[11] More experienced runners may be less likely to develop the injury.[12]​

One retrospective analysis of 2002 patients with running injuries reported 168 cases of ITBS. The sex distribution was significant with ITBS occurring in 62% of women and 38% of men.[13] A prospective study of 400 female runners found that 16% of running injuries were due to ITBS.[14] In a cross-sectional study of 6608 British army recruits, the incidence of ITBS was 6.2%.[15]

ITBS may also be observed in athletes participating in volleyball, tennis, soccer, skiing, weight lifting, and aerobics. It is unusual in non-athletes.

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