I first became interested in External Iliac Artery Endofibrosis (EAIE) in 2016 when a friend was diagnosed with the condition. Despite predominantly treating cyclists (mainly amateur and recreational) for the past few years, I had little knowledge about the condition at that time. These days, there is more information and publicity out there, with more professional cyclists being diagnosed and undergoing surgery. However, there are still few specialists in this area, and many sufferers end up carrying out their own research looking for answers.
External Iliac Artery Endofibrosis is a condition where blood flow is interrupted to the lower limb(s) due to narrowing, scarring or kinking of the arteries around the hip and groin area, particularly during exertion. It is also known as FLIA - Flow Limitation of the Iliac Artery - and whilst 90% of cases do involve the external iliac artery, it can infrequently involve the common iliac or common femoral arteries instead.
