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Iliotibial Tract (ITB) Anatomy

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Origin
  • Iliac crest (lateral aspect)
  • Gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae muscles’ aponeuroses
Insertion
  • Iliotibial tubercle (also known as Gerdy’s tubercle)
Function
  • Non-contractile fascial structure
  • Stabilization of the hip and knee
  • Supports the actions of the gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae
Innervation
  • Superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1)
  • Inferior gluteal nerve (L5-S2)
Blood Supply
  • Ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery
  • Superior gluteal artery
Last updated: Estimated Reading Time: 6 min

Location & Overview

The iliotibial tract is also referred to as the iliotibial band (ITB for short) and is sometimes called Maissiat’s band. Maissiat’s band is named after French anatomist Jacques Maissiat.[1]

The iliotibial tract is located in the lateral thigh region and spans from the ilium to the proximal tibia. The iliotibial tract is a thick band of deep fascia. The fascia lata, gluteus maximus, and tensor fasciae latae all contribute to the formation of the iliotibial tract. The gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae connect to the iliotibial tract via aponeuroses. The fascia lata is a fascial sheath that envelops the thigh like a sleeve, and its fibers contribute to the iliotibial tract. The iliotibial tract is a type of connective tissue that lacks contractile properties, meaning it cannot directly contract. Instead, it serves to support and assist other muscles in carrying out their actions.[1,2]

iliotibial tract in isolation
Here we can see the iliotibial tract in isolation from a lateral view.
iliotibial tract connecting via aponeuroses to the gluteus maximus and the tensor fasciae latae
Pictured here, you can see the iliotibial tract connecting via aponeuroses to the gluteus maximus and the tensor fasciae latae.
tensor fasciae latae and iliotibial band highlighted
Here we can see both the tensor fasciae latae and iliotibial band highlighted in red among the other muscles of the thigh.

Origin & Insertion

The iliotibial tract originates on the lateral aspect of the ilium. Aponeuroses from the gluteus maximus and the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) also connect to the proximal iliotibial tract. These aponeuroses serve as further origin points for the iliotibial tract. The iliotibial tract then continues down the lateral thigh, crossing the knee joint. It then inserts onto the iliotibial tubercle, which is located on the tibia. The iliotibial tubercle is sometimes referred to as ‘Gerdy’s tubercle’.[2]

origin of the iliotibial tract
Highlighted in red, you can see the origin of the iliotibial tract on the lateral aspect of the iliac crest.
insertion of the iliotibial tract
Highlighted in blue, you can see the insertion of the iliotibial tract on the iliotibial tubercle (also known as Gerdy’s tubercle).

Function

The primary role of the iliotibial tract is to contribute to the lateral stability of the hip and knee. It is a thickened fascial structure on the lateral thigh and receives fascial or tendinous contributions from the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) and gluteus maximus. Because of these connections, the iliotibial tract can transmit tension from these muscles and provide a way for them to influence movement and stability at the hip and knee. However, the iliotibial tract itself is non-contractile, so it should not be described as actively causing movement in the same way that a muscle does.[3]

The gluteus maximus primarily extends and externally rotates the hip, and some of its superficial fibers insert into the iliotibial tract. The tensor fasciae latae contributes to hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation, and it can tension the iliotibial tract to assist with stability at the hip and knee. During gait, the TFL also contributes to pelvic control: on the weight-bearing side, its contraction can help draw the ilium inferiorly, which raises the opposite side of the pelvis and helps the swinging limb clear the ground.[3,4,5]

Person demonstrating hip abduction by moving one leg out to the side.
This image shows an example of hip abduction. Hip abduction involves moving the thigh or leg out to the side, away from the body’s midline. Hip adduction is the opposite movement and involves moving the thigh or leg back toward the body’s midline. The tensor fasciae latae (TFL) and parts of the gluteus maximus attach to, or blend with, the iliotibial tract. The iliotibial tract can transmit tension from these muscles during movements such as hip abduction. Note: The iliotibial tract is a non-contractile fascial structure. It can transmit tension, but it does not directly contract to cause hip abduction.
Person demonstrating hip extension by moving one leg backward at the hip.
This image shows an example of hip extension. Hip extension involves moving the thigh or leg backward from a flexed position. Hip flexion is the opposite movement and involves bringing the thigh or leg forward in front of the body. When the lower limbs are fixed, hip flexion can occur as the trunk moves forward over the thighs, while hip extension is the reverse movement. The gluteus maximus contributes strongly to hip extension, and some of its fibers attach to, or blend with, the iliotibial tract. Note: The iliotibial tract is a non-contractile fascial structure. It can transmit tension, but it does not directly contract to cause hip extension.

Innervation

The iliotibial tract shares the same innervation as the gluteus maximus and the TFL. These nerves are the superior gluteal nerve (SGN, L4-S1) and inferior gluteal nerve (IGN, L5-S2).[2]

superior gluteal nerve
Pictured here, you can see the superior gluteal nerve.
inferior gluteal nerve
Pictured here, you can see the inferior gluteal nerve.

Blood Supply

Blood is supplied to the iliotibial tract via the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery and the superior gluteal artery.[2]

References

  1. [1] Flato R, Passanante GJ, Skalski MR, Patel DB, White EA, Matcuk GR Jr. The iliotibial tract: imaging, anatomy, injuries, and other pathology. Skeletal Radiol. 2017 May;46(5):605-622. doi: 10.1007/s00256-017-2604-y. Epub 2017 Feb 25. PMID: 28238018.
  2. [2] Hyland S, Graefe SB, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Iliotibial Band (Tract) (Updated 2022 Aug 8). In: StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537097/
  3. [3] Hyland S, Graefe SB, Varacallo MA. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Iliotibial Band (Tract) (Updated 2023 Aug 8). In: StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537097/
  4. [4] Trammell AP, Nahian A, Pilson H. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Tensor Fasciae Latae Muscle (Updated 2023 Aug 17). In: StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499870/
  5. [5] Elzanie A, Borger J. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Gluteus Maximus Muscle (Updated 2023 Apr 1). In: StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538193/

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