Lateral thickening of the fascia lata, the iliotibial band represents the tendon insertion of two muscles very important for the movement and stability of the hip and knee: the gluteus maximus and the tensor fascia lata.
If excessively stressed through, for example, a long-lasting running activity, the iliotibial band can become irritated and inflamed, causing pain on the outside of the knee; the inflammation of the iliotibial band and the resulting pain constitute a very functional overload pathology. note to runners and to cyclists (as they are often affected), called iliotibial band syndrome.
The iliotibial band is known by several other names, including: iliotibial band, iliotibial tract, IT band and Maissiat band.
; as anticipated, it is a band of fibrous connective tissue.The iliotibial band is substantially a lateral thickening of the fascia lata; the latter is the peculiar connective structure, located at the level of the thigh, in a hypodermal position (ie under the dermis), which covers and protects the underlying muscles of the thigh itself.
The iliotibial band is, in effect, the tendon insertion of the gluteus maximus and tensor muscles of the fascia lata.
