Iliotibial tract: Difference between revisions

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'''Iliotibial Tract'''
{{Short description|Anatomical structure in the human body}}
{{Anatomy}}


The '''Iliotibial Tract''' (also known as the '''Iliotibial Band''' or '''IT Band''') is a longitudinal fibrous reinforcement of the [[fascia lata]]. The action of the IT band and its associated muscles is to extend, abduct, and laterally rotate the hip. In addition, the IT band contributes to lateral knee stabilization.
==Iliotibial Tract==
[[File:Posterior_Hip_Muscles_3.PNG|thumb|right|300px|Posterior view of the hip muscles, showing the iliotibial tract.]]
The '''iliotibial tract''' (also known as the '''iliotibial band''' or '''IT band''') is a longitudinal fibrous reinforcement of the [[fascia lata]]. It is an important structure in the lateral aspect of the [[thigh]] and plays a crucial role in stabilizing the [[knee]] during activities such as walking and running.


== Anatomy ==
==Anatomy==
The iliotibial tract is a thick band of connective tissue that extends from the [[iliac crest]] of the [[pelvis]] down to the lateral condyle of the [[tibia]]. It is formed by the thickening of the fascia lata, the deep fascia of the thigh. The tract is anchored to the [[femur]] via the lateral intermuscular septum.


The Iliotibial Tract originates near the hip from the iliac crest and inserts into the lateral condyle of the tibia. The gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae muscles contribute to its formation.
===Attachments===
The iliotibial tract originates from the [[tensor fasciae latae]] and the [[gluteus maximus]] muscles. These muscles insert into the tract, which then continues down the lateral side of the thigh to attach to the [[Gerdy's tubercle]] on the tibia.


== Function ==
===Function===
The primary function of the iliotibial tract is to stabilize the knee laterally. It assists in maintaining knee extension and provides lateral support to the knee joint. The tract also plays a role in hip abduction, flexion, and medial rotation due to its connection with the tensor fasciae latae and gluteus maximus.


The Iliotibial Tract plays an important role in the movement and stabilization of the knee. It helps in knee extension and flexion, and provides lateral stability to the knee.
==Clinical Significance==
The iliotibial tract is often associated with [[iliotibial band syndrome]] (ITBS), a common overuse injury among runners and cyclists. ITBS is characterized by pain on the lateral side of the knee, which is caused by inflammation of the tract as it rubs against the lateral femoral epicondyle.


== Clinical Significance ==
==Related pages==
* [[Fascia lata]]
* [[Tensor fasciae latae]]
* [[Gluteus maximus]]
* [[Knee joint]]
* [[Iliotibial band syndrome]]


Inflammation of the Iliotibial Tract, known as [[Iliotibial Band Syndrome]], is a common injury among runners, cyclists, and those involved in other high-intensity sports. This condition can cause pain and swelling on the outer side of the knee.
[[Category:Musculoskeletal system]]
 
== Treatment ==
 
Treatment for Iliotibial Band Syndrome typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Physical therapy exercises may also be recommended to strengthen the muscles around the knee and hip. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary.
 
== See Also ==
 
* [[Fascia Lata]]
* [[Gluteus Maximus]]
* [[Tensor Fasciae Latae]]
* [[Iliotibial Band Syndrome]]
 
== References ==
 
<references />
 
{{stub}}
 
[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Orthopedics]]
[[Category:Sports Medicine]]

Latest revision as of 05:28, 16 February 2025

Anatomical structure in the human body


Iliotibial Tract[edit]

Posterior view of the hip muscles, showing the iliotibial tract.

The iliotibial tract (also known as the iliotibial band or IT band) is a longitudinal fibrous reinforcement of the fascia lata. It is an important structure in the lateral aspect of the thigh and plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee during activities such as walking and running.

Anatomy[edit]

The iliotibial tract is a thick band of connective tissue that extends from the iliac crest of the pelvis down to the lateral condyle of the tibia. It is formed by the thickening of the fascia lata, the deep fascia of the thigh. The tract is anchored to the femur via the lateral intermuscular septum.

Attachments[edit]

The iliotibial tract originates from the tensor fasciae latae and the gluteus maximus muscles. These muscles insert into the tract, which then continues down the lateral side of the thigh to attach to the Gerdy's tubercle on the tibia.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the iliotibial tract is to stabilize the knee laterally. It assists in maintaining knee extension and provides lateral support to the knee joint. The tract also plays a role in hip abduction, flexion, and medial rotation due to its connection with the tensor fasciae latae and gluteus maximus.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The iliotibial tract is often associated with iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), a common overuse injury among runners and cyclists. ITBS is characterized by pain on the lateral side of the knee, which is caused by inflammation of the tract as it rubs against the lateral femoral epicondyle.

Related pages[edit]