Iliotibial tract

Iliotibial tract
Iliotibial tract.
Latin	tractus iliotibialis
Gray's	subject #128 468

The iliotibial tract or iliotibial band (a.k.a. Maissiat's band, IT Band) is a longitudinal fibrous reinforcement of the fascia lata. It is attached to the anterolateral iliac tubercle portion of the external lip of the iliac crest and to the lateral condyle of the tibia. The figure shows only the proximal part of the iliotibial tract.

The part of the iliotibial band which lies beneath the tensor fasciæ latæ is prolonged upward to join the lateral part of the capsule of the hip-joint.

The gluteus maximus muscle and the tensor fasciae latae insert upon the tract.

Clinical significance

It stabilizes the knee both in extension and in partial flexion, and is therefore used constantly during walking and running. In leaning forwards with slightly flexed knee the tract is the main support of knee against gravity.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS or ITBFS, for Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome) is a common thigh injury generally associated with running. It can also be caused by cycling or hiking.

It is usually developed by people who suddenly increase their level of activity, such as runners who increase their mileage. Other risk factors for ITBS include gait abnormalities such as overpronation, leg length discrepancies, or bow-leggedness.

External links

• http://www.eatmoveimprove.com/2009/11/shoes-sitting-and-lower-body-dysfunctions/

This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained within it may be outdated.