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The iliotibial tract, also known as the iliotibial band (ITB) or Maissiat's band, is a thick band of fascia that runs down the lateral surface of the thigh. It is formed from the deep fascia of the thigh, the fascia lata, and receives the distal aspects of the gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae muscles. The tract acts as an aponeurosis for these two muscles. The ITB is not a muscle, but it is crucial for pelvic stabilisation and posture control, as well as supporting the movement of the hip and knee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Collagen fibres, elastin fibres, and fascia lata |
| Structure | Thick band of fascia |
| Function | Pelvic stabilisation, posture control, and knee stabilisation |
| Location | Runs along the lateral thigh, from the hip to the knee |
| Attachments | Gerdy's tubercle, lateral femoral epicondyle, gluteus maximus, tensor fasciae latae, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and vastus lateralis |
| Blood Supply | Ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA) |
| Innervation | Superior gluteal nerve (SGN) and inferior gluteal nerve (IGN) |
| Conditions | Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), snapping hip syndrome, and runner's knee |
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What You'll Learn
The iliotibial tract is not a muscle but a thick band of fascia
The ITB is a crucial structure involved in lower extremity motion. Its main functions are pelvic stabilisation and posture control. The tract acts as an aponeurosis for the gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae muscles. The superficial and deep parts of the ITB surround the tensor fasciae latae muscle, anchoring it to the ilium and providing an aponeurotic attachment for its distal aspect.
The ITB contributes to the stabilisation of the hip and knee. During knee extension, the ITB moves anterior to the lateral condyle of the femur, while at around 30 degrees of knee flexion, the ITB moves posterior to the lateral condyle. The ITB also plays a role in the flexion, extension, abduction, and lateral and medial rotation of the hip.
The ITB is associated with iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), a common injury in runners and athletes. ITBS occurs when the ITB gets irritated or swollen from rubbing against the hip or knee bones. This can cause pain on the outside of the knee during exercise, especially when running downhill or with the knee bent for prolonged periods. ITBS is often due to overuse, such as a sudden increase in activity levels, and can be treated with physical therapy, medication, or, in rare cases, surgery.
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The tract is formed from the deep fascia of the thigh
The iliotibial tract, also known as the iliotibial band (ITB) or Maissiat's band, is a thick band of fascia formed proximally at the hip by the fascia of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and tensor fasciae latae muscles. It is considered a non-traumatic overuse injury and is often associated with underlying weakness in the hip abductor muscles.
The ITB is a longitudinal fibrous reinforcement of the fascia lata, which is the deep fascia of the thigh. The tract is formed from the deep fascia of the thigh, the fascia lata, and receives the distal aspects of the gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae muscles. The gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae muscles insert upon the tract, and the tract acts as an aponeurosis for these two muscles.
The tensor fasciae latae effectively tighten the ITB around the area of the knee, allowing for bracing of the knee, especially when lifting the opposite foot. The ITB also contributes to lateral knee stabilization. During knee extension, the ITB moves anterior to the lateral condyle of the femur, while at around 30 degrees of knee flexion, the ITB moves posterior to the lateral condyle.
The ITB plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint, along with certain muscles such as the quadriceps. It may be visible on the surface when the knee is extended. The superior portion of the ITB splits into two layers, with the superficial part attaching to the lateral aspect of the iliac crest and the deep part attaching to the lateral aspect of the hip joint capsule. The ITB serves as an important structure involved in lower extremity motion.
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It is involved in lower extremity motion
The iliotibial tract, also known as the iliotibial band (ITB) or Maissiat's band, is a thick band of fascia that runs down the lateral surface of the thigh. It is formed from the deep fascia of the thigh, the fascia lata, and receives the distal aspects of the gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae muscles. The tract acts as an aponeurosis for these two muscles.
The ITB is a longitudinal fibrous reinforcement of the fascia lata and is involved in lower extremity motion. It is important for pelvic stabilisation and posture control. The ITB runs along the lateral thigh, from the hip to the knee, and serves as a structure involved in lower extremity motion. The ITB is also important for knee stabilisation, both in extension and in partial flexion, and is therefore used constantly during walking and running.
The ITB moves anterior to the lateral condyle of the femur during knee extension. At around 30 degrees of knee flexion, the ITB moves posterior to the lateral condyle. This movement is suggested to be an illusion due to the changing tension in the anterior and posterior fibres during motion. The ITB contributes to knee stabilisation, especially when a person is leaning forward with a slightly flexed knee, as the tract becomes the knee's main support against gravity.
The ITB is associated with several clinical conditions, such as external snapping hip syndrome and iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). ITBS is a common injury, especially in runners, and is caused by the ITB rubbing against the hip or knee bones due to overuse, tight iliotibial bands, or other factors such as arthritis or gait abnormalities.
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The iliotibial band syndrome is a common injury
The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick band of fascia formed proximally at the hip by the fascia of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and tensor fasciae latae muscles. It is made up mostly of collagen fibres, which are aligned in a very organised, vertical fashion to allow better force absorption with weight-bearing activities. The ITB is also interspersed with a small amount of elastin fibres, which make it slightly elastic and pliable.
The iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common injury, especially among runners, affecting about 12% of them. It is characterised by the irritation or swelling of the iliotibial band from rubbing against hip or knee bones. This causes pain on the outside of the knee, which is described as an aching and burning feeling that sometimes spreads up the thigh to the hip. The pain usually starts after exercising, but as the syndrome worsens, it can be felt throughout the exercise and even at rest. The pain tends to be the worst when the foot is struck and can be felt in one or both legs.
ITBS is considered a non-traumatic overuse injury and is often concomitant with underlying weakness of hip abductor muscles. It is also common among people new to exercise, with researchers debating the exact cause of the syndrome. ITBS is preventable by taking certain precautions, such as starting slowly and gradually increasing the intensity of the workout.
ITBS is usually diagnosed by a healthcare provider after discussing the patient's history of exercise and symptoms. A thorough medical examination of the knee, including tests of range of motion, strength, and areas of tenderness, is also conducted. Treatment strategies include avoiding activities that worsen the pain and gradually returning to them. Radial shockwave therapy has also been found to be effective in rehabilitating runners with ITBS.
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The band is used constantly during walking and running
The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick band of fascia formed proximally at the hip by the fascia of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and tensor fasciae latae muscles. It is made up mostly of collagen fibres, which are aligned in a very organised, vertical fashion to allow for better force absorption during weight-bearing activities. The ITB also contains a small amount of elastin fibres, which give it some elasticity and pliability.
The ITB is an important structure involved in lower extremity motion, specifically in the stabilisation of the hip and knee, and in supporting movements of the hip and knee through the action of the gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae muscles. The tensor fasciae latae effectively tightens the ITB around the area of the knee, providing support and bracing during walking and running. When a person is leaning forward with a slightly flexed knee, the ITB is the knee's main support against gravity.
The ITB is used constantly during walking and running, and ITB syndrome (ITBS) is a common injury in runners. ITBS is a non-traumatic overuse injury, often concomitant with underlying weakness of hip abductor muscles. It is caused by 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, leading to inflammation of the ITB. Symptoms of ITBS include hip and knee pain, clicking sensations, and warmth and redness around the affected area.
ITBS is more likely to occur in individuals who frequently exercise, especially runners, cyclists, and skiers, and those who have suddenly increased their level of activity. It is also more common in individuals with gait abnormalities, such as overpronation, leg length discrepancies, or bow-leggedness. Preventing ITBS can be challenging for athletes, but some strategies include avoiding running on slanted surfaces, using proper technique, gradually increasing training intensity, and wearing supportive shoes.
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Frequently asked questions
The iliotibial tract, also known as the iliotibial band (ITB) or Maissiat's band, is a thick band of fascia that runs down the lateral surface of the thigh.
The iliotibial tract's main function is to stabilise the hip and knee. It also supports movements of the hip and knee through the action of the gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae muscles.
The iliotibial tract is composed mostly of collagen fibres, which are aligned in a very organised, vertical fashion to allow for better force absorption during weight-bearing activities. There are also small amounts of elastin fibres among the collagen layers, which give the tract some elasticity and pliability.
The tensor fasciae latae muscle inserts upon the iliotibial tract, and the tract acts as an aponeurosis for this muscle. The tract surrounds the tensor fasciae latae muscle, anchoring it to the ilium and providing an attachment point for its distal aspect.
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common injury, especially among runners, caused by the iliotibial band getting irritated or swollen from rubbing against the hip or knee bones. Symptoms include pain on the outside of the knee during exercise or certain movements, such as running downhill.
