The anatomy of the iliopatellar band and iliotibial tract.
Based on an extensive review of the literature and dissections of 17 fresh-frozen knee specimens, the authors divide the lateral fascia lata of the knee into two functional components: the iliopatellar band and the iliotibial tract. Aponeurotic, superficial, middle, deep, and capsulo-osseous layers contribute to these two functional components. The superficial layer of the iliotibial tract, combined with the deep, and capsulo-osseous layers, is hypothesized to function as an anterolateral ligament of the knee. The iliopatellar band provides stabilization of the patella against a medially directed force and is dynamically influenced by the vastus lateralis. The relationship of the iliotibial tract to extraarticular reconstructions of the knee with anterolateral rotatory instability is discussed.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005205:Fascia / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged