Iliotibial tract
 |
| Iliotibial tract | |
|---|---|
 Iliotibial tract. | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | tractus iliotibialis |
| TA98 | A04.7.03.003 |
| TA2 | 2690 |
| FMA | 51048 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
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
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 biking 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
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This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 468 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)