The iliotibial tract or iliotibial band (a.k.a. Maissiat's band, IT Band) is a longitudinal fibrous reinforcement of the fascia lata

Fascia lata

-Thickness:It is an investment for the whole of the thigh, but varies in thickness in different parts.Thus, it is thicker in the upper and lateral part of the thigh, where it receives a fibrous expansion from the Glutæus maximus, and where the Tensor fasciæ latæ is inserted between its layers; it...

. It is attached to the anterolateral iliac tubercle

Iliac tubercle

The iliac tubercle is located approximately posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine on the iliac crest in humans. The transverse plane that includes each of the tubercles is called the transtubercular plane. The origin of the iliotibial tract is the iliac tubercle...

 portion of the external lip of the iliac crest

Iliac crest

-External links: - "Superficial muscles of the gluteal region and posterior thigh." - "Anterior Abdominal Wall: Osteology and Surface Anatomy " - "The Back, Posterior View" * *...

 and to the lateral condyle

Lateral condyle of tibia

The lateral condyle is the lateral portion of the upper extremity of tibia.It serves as the insertion for the Biceps femoris muscle....

 of the tibia

Tibia

The tibia , shinbone, or shankbone is the larger and stronger of the two bones in the leg below the knee in vertebrates , and connects the knee with the ankle bones....

. The figure shows only the proximal part of the iliotibial tract.

The part of the iliotibial band which lies beneath the tensor fasciæ latæ is prolonged upward to join the lateral part of the capsule of the hip-joint.

The gluteus maximus muscle

Gluteus maximus muscle

The gluteus maximus is the largest and most superficial of the three gluteal muscles...

 and the tensor fasciae latae insert upon the tract.

Clinical significance

It stabilizes the knee both in extension and in partial flextion. 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

Iliotibial band syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome is a common injury to the thigh, generally associated with running, cycling, hiking or weight-lifting .- Definition :...

 (ITBS or ITBFS, for Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome) is a common thigh

Thigh

In humans the thigh is the area between the pelvis and the knee. Anatomically, it is part of the lower limb.The single bone in the thigh is called the femur...

 injury

Injury

-By cause:*Traumatic injury, a body wound or shock produced by sudden physical injury, as from violence or accident*Other injuries from external physical causes, such as radiation injury, burn injury or frostbite*Injury from infection...

 generally associated with running

Running

Running is a means of terrestrial locomotion allowing humans and other animals to move rapidly on foot. It is simply defined in athletics terms as a gait in which at regular points during the running cycle both feet are off the ground...

. It can also be caused by cycling

Cycling

Cycling, also called bicycling or biking, is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, or for sport. Persons engaged in cycling are cyclists or bicyclists...

 or hiking

Hiking

Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...

.

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.

External links

• http://www.eatmoveimprove.com/2009/11/shoes-sitting-and-lower-body-dysfunctions/