Knee function and muscle strength following distal ileotibial band transfer for antero-lateral rotatory instability.

In a prospective study, 60 consecutive patients underwent a distal iliotibial band transfer for anterolateral knee instability. Knee function was evaluated with a score system, static stability tests and a standardized test including thigh muscle measurements, a one-leg-jump-test and a figure-of-8 running test. At the 40-month follow-up there was a significant increase in the mean knee score. The quadriceps in the treated leg was significantly weaker than in the non-operated leg, and the quadriceps strength was significantly correlated to the knee score. The functional outcome after operation was generally unsatisfactory. Few patients attained normal values in all tests, primarily because of poor restoration of stability.