Table 1.

Pearls and Pitfalls

Step	Pearls	Pitfalls
1. Preparation	The surgeon should ensure that the knee is flexed to 30°.	Inadequate flexion leads to difficulty visualizing the IT band.
2. Portal creation	Creation of the distal portal over the lateral femoral condyle becomes critically important because this will be the working portal of the procedure.	The surgeon should ensure visualization of the spinal needle before proceeding.
3. Bursectomy	Bursectomy should be completed with the Arthrocare-1 wand to ensure hemostasis.	The IT band may not be completely and appropriately visualized if the bursectomy is not complete.
4. Skin protection	Metzenbaum scissors allow for the appropriate separation of the skin from the IT band.	The overlying skin is at risk of being damaged during the lengthening without separation.
5. Lengthening	The surgeon should be aware of the overlying skin.	If the surgeon does not release proximally, distally, anteriorly, and posteriorly, there is an increased risk of recurrence of IT band syndrome.

IT, iliotibial.