Iliotibial tract

Origin and insertion

The iliotibial tract is a band of thick connective tissue that runs along the lateral aspect of the thigh. It is a continuation of the tensor fascia lata, which arises from the outer lip of the iliac crest, the anterior superior iliac spine and the deep surface of the fascia lata and inserts between the two layers of the iliotibial tract (one third of the way down the thigh).

The gluteus maximus muscle also inserts into the iliotibial tract and is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve (L5-S2). The superior part of the tract is splitted into two layers to enclose tensor fascia lata and tendon of the gluteus maximus muscle. The iliotibial tract continues to descend on the lateral surface of the thigh, and inserts onto the lateral tibial plateau at a projection known as Gerdy’s tubercle. It lies on top of the vastus lateralis head of the quadriceps femoris. The tensor fascia lata acts through the iliotibial band, and supports the knee. It extend the knee (maintains the knee in hyperextended condition) and laterally rotate the leg. It also acts as a hip flexor and medial rotator.

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Innervation