Renne test

Purpose[edit | edit source]

Renne's test was developed in 1975 to test for iliotibial band syndrome (ITB).[1][2] This test can be performed instead of or in addition to the Noble Compression Test when the patient complains of lateral knee pain and sometimes crepitus when running.


Clinical Relevance[edit | edit source]

Iliotibial band friction syndrome, first described by Renne in 1975 is commonly found in middle- and long-distance runners and in those athletes whose sports require repetitive knee flexion. It is also found in skiers, cyclists, weightlifters, and soccer athletes[1]. It is an overuse condition caused by excessive friction between the ITB and the lateral femoral epicondyle which results in either bursitis over the lateral femoral epicondyle and/or inflammation of the ITB and periosteum.

Technique[edit | edit source]

Procedure: The patient is standing while weight bearing on the involved side. This can be performed with the non-involved side weight bearing or non-weight bearing knee flexed.

  • Palpation: Patient sits or kneels while you palpate the iliotibial band (ITB) on or just above the lateral femoral epicondyle. The patient is instructed to place one hand on the examiner’s shoulder for balance and slowly squat (one legged) to 60-90°flexion and then rise back up. First, palpate the ITB just above the lateral femoral epicondyle,
  • Compression: Then have the patient squat and rise a second time while this time applying firm pressure (Renne 1975, Linenger 1992)[3].

Interpretation:

  • Palpation in is intended to feel for crepitus. Palpatory crepitus, snapping and/or pain at the lateral epicondyle are positive signs of ITB syndrome.
  • Firm pressure is intended to provoke the lateral knee pain and increase crepitus.

Both the Nobel/Rene’s tests are usually the most provocative; expect provocation to be greatest when the knee is about 20-30˚flexed[4].

Common Procedural Errors: Examiner does not instruct patient to place the hand on the examiner's shoulder to maintain balance. Those with balance problems or who are unable to perform a squat on one leg can perform the test with both lower limbs bearing weight - be careful to watch out for compensation where the patient shifts most of their weight to the opposite side.

[5]


Evidence[edit | edit source]

Reliability & Validity: Unknown[3]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Lucas CA. Iliotibial band friction syndrome as exhibited in athletes. Journal of athletic training. 1992;27(3):250.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1317254/pdf/jathtrain00035-0060.pdf (accessed on 18.07.18)
  2. Christopher Norris, Parallel use of acupuncture and physiotherapy in the treatment of Iliotibial Band Syndrome, AACP Journal, 2003, P20-25http://www.norrishealth.co.uk/library/ITBarticlecmn.pdf(accessed on 18.07.18)
  3. 3.0 3.1 Knee Orthopaedic Test - A Strategic Approach to Assessing the Knee; University of Western States, College of Chiropractic, Clinic Protocol; Renne; Page No.34; Adopted 12/12. (accessed on 19.07.18 from Knee_Orthopedic_Tests.pdf)
  4. Knee Diagnosis: An Aid to Pattern Recognition; University of Western States, College of Chiropractic, Clinic Protocol; ILIOTIBIAL BAND SYNDROME; Page No 18; Adopted 10/13.(accessed on 19.07.18 from Knee_Dx_An_Aid_to_Pattern_Recognition.pdf )
  5. Renne's Test. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kew26ByrR_Q [last accessed 30/3/2021]