Iliotibial Band Autograft: What Size is the Graft? A Mathematical and Cadaveric Model

Background The Iliotibial Band (ITB) is used as a primary ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients and as autograft during other orthopedic reconstructions. The size of the ITB as a single and doubled graft is unknown. Methods Nine adult cadaveric ITB were used to determine the size of the ITB as a single and doubled graft. Thickness and width of the ITB were determined. In decreasing 5 mm measurements, single and double graft sizes were determined using standard surgical graft size technique. Geometric calculations based on average graft thickness were used to mathematically confirm the graft size of the ITB. Results The ITB is less than 1 mm in thickness in males and females. Cadaveric measurements were less than 1 mm larger than mathematical measurements, in majority of measurements. In adults, ITB autograft can be harvested to a maximum 9 mm single stranded graft or >12 mm doubled graft. A minimum of 50 mm of ITB width is required to make a 8 mm graft. Conclusions ITB is a versatile graft that can be considered when a large amount autograft tissue is required. Partial vs whole width ITB should be considered based on patient age, graft size desired, and technical requirements of the graft. Clinical Relevance Surgeons have a quick reference for the width of ITB they should harvest based on the size of graft they require for a successful surgery.