Which test is used to assess IT Band tightness?

Which test is used to assess IT Band tightness?

• A. Ober's Test
• B. McMurray Test
• C. Thessaly Test
• D. Noble Compression Test

Answer: (A)

Ober's test is used to evaluate the tightness of the iliotibial band (and the tensor fasciae latae muscle) by testing how far the IT band can lengthen when the hip is extended and the leg is allowed to drop toward the table. In practice, the patient lies on the opposite side, the leg to be tested is on top, the hip is flexed and then extended with the knee bent or straight, and the leg is allowed to drop into adduction. If the iliotibial band is tight, the leg will remain abducted and fail to drop fully to the table. If the IT band is not tight, the leg will adduct down toward the table. This is distinct from tests like McMurray or Thessaly, which assess meniscal pathology by stressing the knee through rotation and weight-bearing, and from the Noble compression test, which targets IT band friction syndrome by reproducing pain over the lateral femoral epicondyle during knee flexion.

Ober's test is used to evaluate the tightness of the iliotibial band (and the tensor fasciae latae muscle) by testing how far the IT band can lengthen when the hip is extended and the leg is allowed to drop toward the table.

In practice, the patient lies on the opposite side, the leg to be tested is on top, the hip is flexed and then extended with the knee bent or straight, and the leg is allowed to drop into adduction. If the iliotibial band is tight, the leg will remain abducted and fail to drop fully to the table. If the IT band is not tight, the leg will adduct down toward the table.

This is distinct from tests like McMurray or Thessaly, which assess meniscal pathology by stressing the knee through rotation and weight-bearing, and from the Noble compression test, which targets IT band friction syndrome by reproducing pain over the lateral femoral epicondyle during knee flexion.