Iliotibial band
Tractus iliotibialis
MuscularSuperficial musclesWhole bodyLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- Thickened lateral strip of the fascia lata running from the iliac tubercle of the iliac crest down the outside of the thigh to Gerdy's tubercle on the anterolateral tibial condyle. Tensor fasciae latae and about three-quarters of gluteus maximus insert into it.
- Function
- Steadies the hip and the extended knee on the lateral side, helping to hold the pelvis level in single-leg stance.
- Size
- About 45-50 cm long, 3-5 cm wide in the thigh, 2-3 mm thick.
- Clinical note
- Friction over the lateral femoral epicondyle causes iliotibial band syndrome, a very common cause of lateral knee pain in runners and cyclists.