Fascia Lata and Iliotibial Tract

The fascia lata is a thick deep fascial covering of the muscles of the thigh, and it envelops the thigh like a sleeve.

The fascia lata sends intermuscular fascial septa (lateral, medial, and posterior) inward, to insert on the linea aspera of femur and divides the thigh into three compartments—anterior (extensor), medial (adductor), and posterior(flexor).

Ilio-tibial Tract

The fascia lata is extremely strong laterally, because in between two layers of circularly disposed fibres there is about 2 inches wide band of coarse vertical fibres, called Iliotibial Tract.

This tract is the conjoint aponeurosis of the tensor fasciae Iatae and the gluteus maximus and runs distally where it inserts upon the head of the fibula and the anterolateral aspect of the tibia.

The iliotibial tract lies lateral and anterior to the axis of hip motion hence its shortening or contracture produces a flexion and abduction deformity of the hip.

Superiorly, its superficial lamina is attached to the tubercle of the iliac crest and the deep lamina to the capsule of the hip joint.

Functional Significance

The iliotibial tract stabilizes the knee and hence it is used constantly during walking and running.

The iliotibial tract is the main support of the knee against gravity and prevents the individuals from falling forward while leaning forward with slightly flexed knees.