[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) › IT band [Muscular system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/muscular-system/) · [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) # IT band The iliotibial (IT) band is a long, tough strip running from the hip down the outer thigh to the tibia; it steadies the hip and knee. Official name: Iliotibial tract [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=lower_limb&select=it_band&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is The iliotibial (IT) band: a long, tough band of fascia from the [pelvis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) down the outer thigh to the outer tibia. The TFL and gluteus maximus pull on it from above. ## What it does Steadies the outer side of the hip and knee. ## Key points - At about 30° of knee flexion the band slides across the lateral femoral epicondyle: the classic zone of IT band syndrome pain - Its line of pull explains the pivot shift: in front of the knee [axis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/axis/) in extension, behind it beyond about 30° of flexion, when the subluxed [tibia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibia/) snaps back - Kaplan fibres tie it to the distal [femur](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/femur/) through the lateral intermuscular septum and help control rotation ## Key facts **Attaches** Thickening of [fascia lata](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fascia-lata/): iliac tubercle, receiving TFL and gluteus maximus, to Gerdy tubercle of lateral tibial condyle **Function** Transmits pull of TFL and gluteus maximus; stabilizes lateral hip and extended knee in stance **Tight in** Hip extension and adduction (Ober test position) ## Relations **Course** From the iliac tubercle of the iliac crest, receiving TFL in front and much of [gluteus maximus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/gluteus-maximus-muscle/) behind, down the lateral thigh to Gerdy tubercle, with fibres to the lateral [patella](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/patella/) **Deep** [Vastus lateralis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vastus-lateralis-muscle/) and the lateral intermuscular septum; at the knee, the lateral femoral epicondyle, with fat or a bursa between **Behind** Biceps femoris; at the knee its tendon lies behind the lower end of the band, with the LCL between ## How to find it Standing with the knee straight and weight on the leg, it is felt as a firm ridge on the outer thigh just above the knee, in front of the biceps tendon, ending on Gerdy tubercle lateral to the tibial tuberosity. ## Examination - Ober test: lying on the other side, the upper hip is extended and abducted and then released; if the thigh stays up instead of dropping, the band and TFL are tight - Noble compression test: pressure over the lateral epicondyle while the knee is extended from 90°; pain at about 30° suggests IT band syndrome ## On imaging Rarely needed. In IT band syndrome, MRI shows fluid or oedema deep to the band over the lateral femoral epicondyle; ultrasound may show a thickened band. ## Common problems - IT band syndrome: pain on the outer knee, common in runners and cyclists. - Outer snapping hip: the band catches over the greater trochanter with a snap on the outer hip. ## How it is diagnosed Physical exam; imaging is rarely needed. ## Treatment - Rest from the painful activity, stretching and hip strengthening, changes to training; injections occasionally. Surgery is rarely needed. ## Clinical notes - A strip of the band is used in lateral extra-articular tenodesis, added to ACL reconstruction to control rotation - Lateral approaches to the femur and hip split the band in line with its fibres - A Segond fracture avulses the lateral tibial rim at the attachment of the anterolateral structures, close to Gerdy tubercle ## Related conditions - [Iliotibial Band Syndrome](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/iliotibial-band-syndrome/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Where and at what knee angle does IT band syndrome cause pain? Over the lateral femoral epicondyle at about 30° of knee flexion, where the iliotibial band slides across it. ## Where does the iliotibial (IT) band insert distally? On Gerdy tubercle of the lateral tibial condyle, lateral to the tibial tuberosity. ## What does a positive Ober test show? Tight IT band and TFL: lying on the other side, the extended, abducted upper thigh stays up instead of dropping when released. ## How does the IT band explain the pivot shift? Its pull lies in front of the knee axis in extension and behind it beyond about 30° of flexion, when the subluxed tibia snaps back. [Add to my cards (4)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/iliotibial-tract/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** tractus iliotibialis TA2 2690 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Tracto iliotibial DeCS D058745 **English (TA2)** Iliotibial tract **Also called** iliotibial band · bandelette of Maissiat · tractus Maissiati ## Related - [LCL](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibular-collateral-ligament/) - [Vastus lateralis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vastus-lateralis-muscle/) - [Fascia lata](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fascia-lata/) - [Gluteus maximus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/gluteus-maximus-muscle/) - [Tensor fasciae latae](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tensor-fasciae-latae/) - [Trochanteric bursae](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/trochanteric-bursa-of-gluteus-maximus-muscle/) - [Femur](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/femur/) - [Hip bone](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/hip-bone/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=54020&filter=ths_termall&q=S%C3%ADndrome%20de%20la%20Banda%20Iliotibial); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Iliotibial Band (Tract)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537097/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/iliotibial-tract/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/iliotibial-tract/