Iliotibial tract

Iliotibial tract
Iliotibial tract.
Details
Latin	Tractus iliotibialis
Identifiers
Dorlands /Elsevier	t_15/12817010
TA
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terminology [[[d:|edit on Wikidata]]]

The iliotibial tract or iliotibial band (also known as Maissiat's band or IT Band) is a longitudinal fibrous reinforcement of the fascia lata. The action of the ITB and its associated muscles is to extend, abduct, and laterally rotate the hip. In addition, the ITB contributes to lateral knee stabilization. During knee extension the ITB moves anterior, while knee flexion moves the ITB posterior. It originates at the anterolateral iliac tubercle portion of the external lip of the iliac crest and inserts at the lateral condyle of the tibia at Gerdy's tubercle. The figure shows only the proximal part of the iliotibial tract.

The part of the iliotibial band which lies beneath the tensor fasciae latae is prolonged upward to join the lateral part of the capsule of the hip-joint. The tensor fasciae latae effectively tightens the iliotibial band around the area of the knee. This allows for bracing of the knee especially in lifting the opposite foot. (3)

The gluteus maximus muscle and the tensor fasciae latae insert upon the tract. (1)

Clinical significance

The IT band stabilizes the knee both in extension and in partial flexion, and is therefore used constantly during walking and running. In leaning forwards with slightly flexed knee the tract is the main support of knee against gravity.

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS or ITBFS, for iliotibial band friction syndrome) is a common thigh injury generally associated with running. It can also be caused by cycling or hiking. The onset of iliotibial band syndrome most commonly occurs in cases of overuse. The iliotibial band itself becomes inflamed in response to repeated rubbing on the outside of the knee or swelling of the bursa between the bone and the tendon on the side of the knee. ITB syndrome can also be caused by poor physical condition, lack of warming up before exercise, or drastic changes in activity levels. (4)

Symptoms of iliotibial band syndrome may include pain on the outside of the knee at the beginning of exercise which persists through the exercise or specific movements like running down hill and having the knee bent for prolong periods of time. (4)

It is usually developed by people who suddenly increase their level of activity, such as runners who increase their mileage. Other risk factors for ITBS include gait abnormalities such as overpronation, leg length discrepancies, or bow-leggedness. ITB Syndrome is an overuse condition of the distal ITB near the lateral femoral condyle and at Gerdy's tubercle. The most vulnerable range of knee flexion for this condition is at 30-40 degrees; this is where the ITB crosses the lateral femoral epicondyle.

Postural function

The IT band is of critical importance to asymmetrical standing (pelvic slouch). The upward pull on the lower attachment of the IT band thrusts the knee back into hyperextension, thereby locking the knee and converting the limb into a rigid supportive pillar. (2)

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

• (1) Carnes, M. & Vizniak, N. (2009). Quick Reference Evidence-Based Conditions Manual: 3rd Edition. Professional Health Systems Inc., Canada, pg. 240-241.
• (2) Evans P. The postural function of the iliotibial tract. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 1979 Jul;61(4):271-80. [PMC2492187]
• (3) Saladin. Anatomy & Physiology: 7th Edition. McGraw Hill. pg.347
• (4) Akuthota V, Stilp SK, Lento P, Gonzalez P. Iliotibial band syndrome. In: Frontera W, Silver JK, Tizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: W.B. Saunders Elsevier, 20008: chap 60.