Iliotibial tract
Tractus iliotibialis
- Synonym: Iliotibial band
- Eponym: Maissiat
Definition
The iliotibial tract ((ITT); iliotibial band (ITB); Maissiat's band), is a thick band of fascia that extends from the iliac crest in the pelvis down to the lateral part of the tibia, specifically inserting at tubercle of iliotibial tract (Gerdy's tubercle).
The iliotibial tract is a lateral thickening of the fascia lata, which envelops the thigh and has important connections to the femur, patella, and tibia, and plays a significant role in stabilizing the knee, particularly during activities such as running and walking and is also involved in the transmission of forces from the gluteus maximus and tensor fascia latae muscles across the lateral knee
References
An Anatomic Study of the Iliotibial Tract.Vieira EL, Vieira EA, da Silva RT, et al.Arthroscopy : The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery : Official Publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association. 2007;23(3):269-74. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2006.11.019.
The Iliotibial Tract: Imaging, Anatomy, Injuries, and Other Pathology.Flato R, Passanante GJ, Skalski MR, et al.Skeletal Radiology. 2017;46(5):605-622. doi:10.1007/s00256-017-2604-y.
The Iliotibial Band: A Complex Structure With Versatile Functions.Hutchinson LA, Lichtwark GA, Willy RW, Kelly LA.Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.). 2022;52(5):995-1008. doi:10.1007/s40279-021-01634-3.
