| | | | ------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ![[Iliotibial Tract (IT Band)__Iliotibial_tract_(IT_band)__unknown_filename.2.png]] | This article **does not [cite](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources) any [references or sources](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability)**. Please help [improve this article](http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iliotibial_tract&action=edit) by adding citations to [reliable sources](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Identifying_reliable_sources). Unsourced material may be [challenged](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Citation_needed) and [removed](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Burden_of_evidence). _(June 2009)_ | | _Iliotibial tract_ | | | --- | --- | | [![[Iliotibial Tract (IT Band)__Iliotibial_tract_(IT_band)__unknown_filename.png]]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Posterior_Hip_Muscles_3.PNG) | | | Iliotibial tract. | | | [Latin](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin) | _tractus iliotibialis_ | | [Gray's](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_subjects_in_Gray%27s_Anatomy:128#Gray.27s_page_.23468) | _[subject #128 468](http://education.yahoo.com/reference/gray/subjects/subject?id=128#p468)_ | The **iliotibial tract** or **iliotibial band** (a.k.a. Maissiat's band, IT Band) is a longitudinal fibrous reinforcement of the [fascia lata](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascia_lata). It is attached to the anterolateral [iliac tubercle](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliac_tubercle) portion of the external lip of the [iliac crest](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliac_crest) and to the [lateral condyle](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lateral_condyle_of_tibia) of the [tibia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibia). The figure shows only the proximal part of the iliotibial tract. The part of the iliotibial band which lies beneath the [tensor fasciæ latæ](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensor_fasciae_latae_muscle) is prolonged upward to join the lateral part of the capsule of the [hip-joint](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip). The [gluteus maximus muscle](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluteus_maximus_muscle) and the [tensor fasciae latae](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensor_fasciae_latae_muscle) insert upon the tract. ## \[[edit](http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iliotibial_tract&action=edit&section=1)\] Clinical significance [Iliotibial Band Syndrome](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliotibial_band_syndrome) (ITBS or ITBFS, for Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome) is a common [thigh](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thigh) [injury](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Injury) generally associated with [running](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running). It can also be caused by [cycling](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycling) or [hiking](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_type#Overpronation), leg length discrepancies, or [bow-leggedness](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genu_varum). ## \[[edit](http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iliotibial_tract&action=edit&section=2)\] External links * <http://www.eatmoveimprove.com/2009/11/shoes-sitting-and-lower-body-dysfunctions/> _This article was originally based on an entry from a [public domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain) edition of_ [Gray's Anatomy](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray%27s_Anatomy)_. As such, some of the information contained within it may be outdated._ \[[hide](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/#)\][v](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Muscles_of_lower_limb) **·** [d](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Muscles_of_lower_limb) **·** [e](http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Muscles_of_lower_limb&action=edit)[List of muscles](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_muscles_of_the_human_body) of [lower limbs](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_leg) ([TA A04.7](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminologia_Anatomica), [GA 4.465](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_subjects_in_Gray%27s_Anatomy:_IV._Myology#The_muscles_and_fasciae_of_the_lower_extremity)) [ILIAC Region](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliac_region) / [ILIOPSOAS](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliopsoas) [psoas major](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoas_major_muscle)/[psoas minor](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoas_minor_muscle) **·** [iliacus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliacus_muscle) [BUTTOCKS](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buttocks) _[gluteals](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluteal_muscles):_ ([maximus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluteus_maximus_muscle), [medius](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluteus_medius_muscle), [minimus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluteus_minimus_muscle)) **·** [tensor fasciae latae](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensor_fasciae_latae_muscle) _[lateral rotator group](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lateral_rotator_group):_ [quadratus femoris](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadratus_femoris_muscle) **·** [inferior gemellus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferior_gemellus_muscle) **·** [obturator internus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obturator_internus_muscle) **·** [superior gemellus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_gemellus_muscle) **·** [piriformis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piriformis_muscle) [THIGH](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thigh) / [compartments](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascial_compartments_of_thigh) | | | | --- | --- | | [Anterior](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anterior_compartment_of_thigh) | [sartorius](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sartorius_muscle) **·** [quadriceps](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadriceps_femoris_muscle) ([rectus femoris](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rectus_femoris_muscle), [vastus lateralis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vastus_lateralis_muscle), [vastus intermedius](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vastus_intermedius_muscle), [vastus medialis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vastus_medialis)) **·** [articularis genu](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articularis_genu_muscle) | | | | [Posterior](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posterior_compartment_of_thigh)/[hamstring](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamstring) | [biceps femoris](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biceps_femoris_muscle) **·** [semitendinosus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semitendinosus_muscle) **·** [semimembranosus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semimembranosus_muscle) | | | | [Medial](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medial_compartment_of_thigh) | [pectineus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pectineus_muscle) **·** [obturator externus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obturator_externus_muscle) **·** [gracilis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gracilis_muscle) **·** [adductor](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adductor_muscles_of_the_hip) ([longus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adductor_longus_muscle), [brevis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adductor_brevis_muscle), [magnus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adductor_magnus_muscle), [minimus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adductor_minimus_muscle)) | | | | [Fascia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascia) | [Femoral sheath](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femoral_sheath) ([Femoral canal](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femoral_canal)) **·** [Femoral ring](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femoral_ring)<br><br>[Adductor canal](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adductor_canal) **·** [Adductor hiatus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adductor_hiatus)<br><br>_[fascia lata](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascia_lata)_ (**Iliotibial tract**, [Lateral intermuscular septum of thigh](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lateral_intermuscular_septum_of_thigh), [Medial intermuscular septum of thigh](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medial_intermuscular_septum_of_thigh), [Fascia cribrosa](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascia_cribrosa)/[Saphenous opening](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saphenous_opening)) **·** [Muscular lacuna](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscular_lacuna) | [LEG](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_leg)/ [Crus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crus_(lower_leg))/ [compartments](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascial_compartments_of_leg) | | | | --- | --- | | [Anterior](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anterior_compartment_of_leg) | [tibialis anterior](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibialis_anterior_muscle) **·** [extensor hallucis longus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extensor_hallucis_longus_muscle) **·** [extensor digitorum longus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extensor_digitorum_longus_muscle) **·** [fibularis tertius](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibularis_tertius) | | | | [Posterior](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posterior_compartment_of_leg) | _superficial_ **·** [triceps surae](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triceps_surae_muscle) ([gastrocnemius](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastrocnemius_muscle), [soleus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soleus_muscle), [accessory soleus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accessory_soleus_muscle), [Achilles tendon](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles_tendon)) **·** [plantaris](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantaris_muscle)<br>_deep_ **·** [tarsal tunnel](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsal_tunnel) ([flexor hallucis longus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexor_hallucis_longus_muscle), [flexor digitorum longus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexor_digitorum_longus_muscle), [tibialis posterior](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibialis_posterior_muscle)) **·** [popliteus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popliteus_muscle) | | | | [Lateral](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lateral_compartment_of_leg) | [fibularis muscles](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibularis_muscles) ([longus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibularis_longus), [brevis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibularis_brevis)) | | | | [Fascia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascia) | [Pes anserinus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pes_anserinus_(leg))<br><br>_[crural fascia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crural_fascia)_ ([Anterior crural intermuscular septum](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anterior_crural_intermuscular_septum), [Posterior crural intermuscular septum](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posterior_crural_intermuscular_septum), [Transverse intermuscular septum](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transverse_intermuscular_septum)) | [FOOT](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot) | | | | --- | --- | | Dorsal | [extensor hallucis brevis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extensor_hallucis_brevis_muscle) **·** [extensor digitorum brevis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extensor_digitorum_brevis_muscle) | | | | Plantar | _1st layer_ ([abductor hallucis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abductor_hallucis_muscle), [flexor digitorum brevis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexor_digitorum_brevis_muscle), [abductor digiti minimi](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abductor_digiti_minimi_muscle_(foot))) **·** _2nd layer_ ([quadratus plantae](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadratus_plantae_muscle), [lumbrical muscle](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumbrical_muscle_(foot))) **·** _3rd layer_ ([flexor hallucis brevis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexor_hallucis_brevis_muscle), [adductor hallucis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adductor_hallucis_muscle), [flexor digiti minimi brevis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexor_digiti_minimi_brevis_muscle_(foot))) **·** _4th layer_ ([dorsal interossei](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorsal_interossei_of_the_foot), [plantar interossei](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantar_interossei_muscles)) | | | | [Fascia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascia) | [Plantar fascia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantar_fascia)<br><br>retinacula ([Fibular](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibular_retinacula), [Inferior extensor](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferior_extensor_retinaculum_of_foot), [Superior extensor](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_extensor_retinaculum_of_foot), [Flexor](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexor_retinaculum_of_foot)) | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [M](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Medicine_navs): [MUS](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle), [DF](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_fascia)+[DRCT](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dense_regular_connective_tissue) | [anat](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Muscular_system) ([h](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Muscles_of_head)/[n](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Muscles_of_neck), [u](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Muscles_of_upper_limb), [t](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Muscles_of_thorax_and_back)/[d](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Thoracic_diaphragm), [a](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Muscles_of_abdomen)/[p](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Muscles_of_perineum), [l](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Muscles_of_lower_limb))/[phys](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Muscular_physiology)/[devp](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Embryology_of_bones,_joints,_and_muscles)/[hist](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Muscle_tissue) | noco([m](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Myopathy), [s](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Soft_tissue_disorders), [c](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Systemic_connective_tissue_disorders))/[cong](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Diseases_of_myoneural_junction_and_muscle)([d](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Congenital_diaphragm_and_abdominal_wall_defects))/[tumr](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Soft_tissue_tumors_and_sarcomas), [sysi](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Nervous_and_musculoskeletal_system_symptoms_and_signs)/[epon](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Eponymous_medical_signs_for_muscles_and_soft_tissue), [injr](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Dislocations,_sprains_and_strains) | [proc](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Muscle/soft_tissue_procedures), [drug](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATC_code_M) ([M1A](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Anti-inflammatory_products)/[3](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Muscle_relaxants)) | | | | | --- | --- | | [![[Iliotibial Tract (IT Band)__Iliotibial_tract_(IT_band)__unknown_filename.1.png]]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gray188.png) | _This [anatomy](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatomy) article is a [stub](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Stub). You can help Wikipedia by [expanding it](http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iliotibial_tract&action=edit)._ |