Iliotibial tract (IT band): Anatomy, Origin, Insertion

The iliotibial tract or iliotibial band is a longitudinal fibrous reinforcement of the fascia lata runs along the lateral thigh and serves as an important structure involved in lower extremity motion.

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.

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

Iliotibial tract (IT band)

Origin

It originates at the anterolateral iliac tubercle portion of the external lip of the iliac crest

Inserts at the lateral condyle of the tibia at Gerdy's tubercleInsertion

Nerve

The ITB shares the innervation of the TFL and gluteus maximus via the superior gluteal nerve (SGN) and inferior gluteal nerve (IGN)

Artery

The ITB, being a tendinous extension of the tensor fascia lata (TFL), shares the same arterial supply:

Ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA)
Superior gluteal artery (SGA)

Function.

The action of the muscles associated with the ITB (TFL and some fibers of Gluteus Maximus) flex, extend, abduct, and laterally and medially rotate the hip. The ITB contributes to lateral knee stabilization. During knee extension the ITB moves anterior to the lateral condyle of the femur, while ~30 degrees knee flexion, the ITB moves posterior to the lateral condyle. However, it has been suggested that this is only an illusion due to the changing tension in the anterior and posterior fibers during movement

Clinical relevance

External snapping hip syndrome, or externa coxa saltans has the potential to cause chronic pain in the lateral aspect of the hip located over the greater trochanter of the femur. Pathophysiology comprises thickening of the posterior aspect of the ITB or anterior tendon fibers of the gluteus maximus muscle near its insertion. This portion of the band remains posterior to the greater trochanter in hip extension, however, moves anteriorly when flexed, adducted, or internally rotated causing a "snapping" mechanism. This snapping is the tense fascial structure catching on the greater trochanter as it moves in the before mentioned motions.

Assessment

Clinical examination testing for ITB dysfunction is best elicited utilizing the Ober Test.

To perform the Ober test, have the patient lie on his or her uninvolved side in the lateral decubitus position. The symptomatic side should be facing upward (i.e., closest to the ceiling). Next, the examiner passively flexes the knee to about 90 degrees. The hip is then brought passively into a flexed and abducted position. Next, the examiner assesses the passive flexibility over the ITB with the hip brought into increasing levels of extension and adduction. A positive test entails pain, tightness, or clicking over the ITB.

Treatment

Treatment generally initiates with ITB stretching ,therapeutic exercises and physical therapy. NSAID use may be beneficial to reduce inflammation. Surgery is a last resort used for refractory cases.

Here is some corrective exercises:

Hip Bridge with Resistance Band

An effective yet simple exercise to begin with is the hip bridge utilizing a resistance band. Researchers Choi and colleagues found that gluteus maximus EMG activity was significantly greater while anterior pelvic tilt angle was significantly lower in the glute bridge with isometric hip abduction compared to the glute bridge without the band. Therefore, they concluded that performing glute bridges with isometric hip abduction against isometric elastic resistance can be used to increase gluteus maximus EMG activity and reduce anterior pelvic tilt during the exercise.

Side Lying Hip Abduction

The Side Lying Hip Abduction is a great way to isolate the glute medius. Distefano and colleagues looked at gluteal activation among common exercises and identified this as one of the top exercises.

Lateral Band Walk

Once you have isolated the gluteus medius you can now integrate a more functional exercise with the lateral band walk. Increased hip abduction strength has been shown to improve the ability of female athletes to control lower extremity alignment. (14) When performing this exercise, the stepping motion should be performed in a semi-squat position with the knees bent rather than an upright straight leg position in order to generate greater gluteus maximus and medius muscle activity.