iliotibial band
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il·i·o·tib·i·al tract
[TA]a fibrous reinforcement of the fascia lata on the lateral surface of the thigh, extending from the crest of the ilium, especially the tuberculum of the crest, to the anterolateral aspect of the lateral condyle of the tibia (Gerdy tubercle).
iliotibial band
A thick, wide fascial layer from the iliac crest along the lateral thigh to the fascia around the lateral aspect of the knee joint. Fibers from the tensor fascia lata and gluteus maximus muscles insert into the proximal band.
See also: band
iliotibial band
a band of connective tissue, continuous above with the tensor fasciae latae muscle which is attached to the iliac crest, and extending down to be inserted on the outer side of the tibia below the knee. iliotibial band syndrome is one of the commonest causes of knee pain in runners, with pain localized to the insertion on the lateral aspect of the tibia where the band rubs on the lateral tibial condyle. Classically caused by road running, especially on cambered surfaces, associated with excessive pronation. The key to treatment is to identify the cause and improve the flexibility and strength of the band.iliotibial band
; ITB; iliotibial tract lateral thickening of fascia lata; extends from iliac crest; insets into lateral condyle of proximal tibia, knee joint capsule and patella; forms insertion of gluteus maximus and tensor fascia lata; steadies pelvis on thigh and acts as anterolateral stabilizer of tibia (see Table 1for ITB-stretching exercises)Muscle group | Action (hold for 5–10 seconds; repeat ×5, three times a day) |
Hip abductor | Stand erect, legs straight, feet together; stretch trunk (on frontal plane) towards the unaffected leg |
Iliotibial band | Lie on a bench on the unaffected side, with the unaffected hip and knee slightly flexed, in order to maintain balance; flex the affected hip and straighten the affected knee so that the affected leg hangs off the bench; allow the iliotibial band of the affected leg to be stretched by gravitational pull Lie on a bench on the affected side with the affected leg in line with the body and the hip and knee locked; flex the unaffected (upper) leg; place the hands on the bench immediately under the shoulder and push the trunk upwards as far as possible to apply stretch to the lateral area of the affected leg |
Upper iliotibial band | Stand erect; with affected leg behind normal leg; stretch trunk (on frontal plane) towards unaffected side |
Lower iliotibial band | Stand erect as above, with the knee of the affected leg slightly flexed and hips rotated (on transverse plane) towards affected leg; stretch trunk (on frontal plane) towards the unaffected side |
Iliotibial band and hamstrings | Stand erect, with the affected leg behind the normal leg so that the knee of the affected leg rests on the posterior aspect of the non-affected knee; rotate the trunk (on transverse plane) away from the affected leg and attempt to touch the heel of the affected leg |