Iliotibial tract

Iliotibial tract
Iliotibial tract.
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Tractus iliotibialis
TA	A04.7.03.003
FMA	51048
Anatomical terminology []

The iliotibial tract or iliotibial band (also known as Maissiat's band or IT Band) is a longitudinal fibrous reinforcement of the fascia lata. The action of the ITB and its associated muscles is to extend, abduct, and laterally rotate the hip. In addition, the ITB contributes to lateral knee stabilization. During knee extension the ITB moves anterior to the lateral condyle of the femur, while ~30 degrees knee flexion, the ITB moves posterior to the lateral condyle. However, it has been suggested that this is only an illusion due to the changing tension in the anterior and posterior fibers during movement. It originates at the anterolateral iliac tubercle portion of the external lip of the iliac crest and inserts at the lateral condyle of the tibia at Gerdy's tubercle. The figure shows only the proximal part of the iliotibial tract.

The part of the iliotibial band which lies beneath the tensor fasciae latae is prolonged upward to join the lateral part of the capsule of the hip-joint. The tensor fasciae latae effectively tightens the iliotibial band around the area of the knee. This allows for bracing of the knee especially in lifting the opposite foot.

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

The IT band 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. The onset of iliotibial band syndrome most commonly occurs in cases of overuse. The iliotibial band itself becomes inflamed in response to repeated compression on the outside of the knee or swelling of the fat pad between the bone and the tendon on the side of the knee. ITB syndrome can also be caused by poor physical condition, lack of warming up before exercise, or drastic changes in activity levels. Until recent anatomical studies showed differently, the previously held belief was that the distal portion of the iliotibial band rubbed over a bursa, however this bursa was found not to exist. Additionally, the theory that the iliotibial band needs to stretch has been questioned as, in cadaveric studies under extreme load, the flexibility of the iliotibial band has been shown to be minimal with greater stiffness than capsular fibers.