Iliotibial Tract: Difference between revisions

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== Description ==
== Description ==
[[File:Iliotibial-band-itb-anatomy-diagrams.jpeg|right|frameless|399x399px]]
[[File:Iliotibial tract.jpg|560x560px|alt=|right|frameless]][[File:Iliotibial-band-itb-anatomy-diagrams.jpeg|right|frameless|399x399px]]
The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick band of fascia formed proximally at the [[hip]] by the [[fascia]] of the [[Gluteus Maximus|gluteus maximus]], [[Gluteus Medius|gluteus medius]] and [[Tensor Fascia Lata|tensor fasciae latae]] muscles<ref>Radiopedia ITB Available: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/iliotibial-band?lang=gb (accessed 27.12.2021)</ref>.   
The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick band of fascia formed proximally at the [[hip]] by the [[fascia]] of the [[Gluteus Maximus|gluteus maximus]], [[Gluteus Medius|gluteus medius]] and [[Tensor Fascia Lata|tensor fasciae latae]] muscles<ref name=":0">Radiopedia ITB Available: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/iliotibial-band?lang=gb (accessed 27.12.2021)</ref>.   


The ITB runs along the lateral thigh and serves as an important structure involved in lower extremity motion.  
* The ITB runs along the lateral thigh and serves as an important structure involved in lower extremity motion.  
 
* There are multiple clinical conditions that can present secondary to a spectrum of ITB dysfunction  eg [[Snapping Hip Syndrome|external snapping hip syndrome]], [[Iliotibial Band Syndrome|ITB syndrome]]<ref name=":1">Hyland S, Graefe S, Varacallo M. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537097/ Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, iliotibial band (tract).] StatPearls [Internet]. 2020 Aug 10.Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537097/<nowiki/>(accessed 27.12.2021)</ref>.   
There are multiple clinical conditions that can present secondary to a spectrum of ITB dysfunction. These conditions will vary depending on the specific anatomic location of the dysfunction.  eg 1. proximally [[Snapping Hip Syndrome|external snapping hip syndrome]] 2.  distally, [[Iliotibial Band Syndrome|ITB syndrome]]<ref>Hyland S, Graefe S, Varacallo M. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537097/ Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, iliotibial band (tract).] StatPearls [Internet]. 2020 Aug 10.Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537097/<nowiki/>(accessed 27.12.2021)</ref>.   


Image 1: The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick band of fascia formed proximally at the hip by the fascia of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae muscles.  
Image 1: The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick band of fascia formed proximally at the hip by the fascia of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae muscles.  


=== Origin ===
=== Anatomy ===
It originates at the anterolateral iliac tubercle portion of the external lip of the iliac crest[[File:Iliotibial tract.jpg|thumb|560x560px]] 
The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick band of fascia formed proximally at the hip by the fascia of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae muscles.  


=== Insertion  ===
The band consists of deep and superficial layers:
Inserts at the lateral condyle of the tibia at Gerdy's tubercle


=== Nerve ===
# The superficial layer is the main tendinous component and inserts onto Gerdy's tubercle on the anterior lateral tibia
The ITB shares the '''innervation''' of the TFL and [https://physio-pedia.com/Gluteus_Maximus?utm_source=physiopedia&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=ongoing_internal gluteus maximus] via the superior gluteal '''nerve''' (SGN) and inferior gluteal '''nerve''' (IGN)
# The deep layer inserts on the intermuscular septum of the distal femur


=== Artery ===
A small recess exists between the lateral femoral epicondyle and the ITB, which contains a synovial extension of the knee joint capsule (lateral synovial recess)<ref name=":0" />


The ITB, being a tendinous extension of the tensor fascia lata (TFL), shares the same arterial supply:
The ITB shares the innervation of the TFL and [https://physio-pedia.com/Gluteus_Maximus?utm_source=physiopedia&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=ongoing_internal gluteus maximus] via the superior gluteal nerve and inferior gluteal nerve
* Ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA)
* Superior gluteal artery (SGA)


== Function.  ==
== Function.  ==
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# Full extension to 20 to 30 degrees of flexion: Active knee extensor, ITB lying anterior to the lateral femoral epicondyle
# Full extension to 20 to 30 degrees of flexion: Active knee extensor, ITB lying anterior to the lateral femoral epicondyle
# 20 to 30 degrees of flexion to full flexion ROM: Active knee flexor, ITB lies posterior relative to the lateral femoral epicondyle
# 20 to 30 degrees of flexion to full flexion ROM: Active knee flexor, ITB lies posterior relative to the lateral femoral epicondyle<ref name=":1" />


== Physiotherapy ==
== Physiotherapy ==
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<ref>Winston P, Awan R, Cassidy JD, et al.  Clinical examination and ultrasound of self-reported snapping hip syndrome in elite ballet dancers. Am J Sports Med. 2007 Jan;35(1):118–126. [PubMed] </ref>.
The iliotibial band is one of the most common [[Assessment of Running Biomechanics|running]] injuries we see as physiotherapists. It is considered a non-traumatic overuse injury and is often concomitant with underlying weakness of hip abductor muscles. For more see [[Iliotibial Band Syndrome]]


== Assessment  ==
External [[Snapping Hip Syndrome|snapping hip syndrome]] is another ITB pathology you may encounter<ref>Winston P, Awan R, Cassidy JD, et al.  Clinical examination and ultrasound of self-reported snapping hip syndrome in elite ballet dancers. Am J Sports Med. 2007 Jan;35(1):118–126. [PubMed] </ref>.
Clinical examination testing for [[Iliotibial Band Syndrome|ITB dysfunction]] is best elicited utilizing the [https://physio-pedia.com/Ober%27s_Test 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.
Clinical examination testing for [[Iliotibial Band Syndrome|ITB dysfunction]] is best elicited utilizing the [https://physio-pedia.com/Ober%27s_Test Ober Test, see here]


== 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.
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.



Revision as of 05:29, 27 December 2021

Original Editor - Eman Ammar

Top Contributors - Eman Ammar and Lucinda hampton

Description[edit | edit source]

Iliotibial-band-itb-anatomy-diagrams.jpeg

The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick band of fascia formed proximally at the hip by the fascia of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae muscles[1].

  • The ITB runs along the lateral thigh and serves as an important structure involved in lower extremity motion.
  • There are multiple clinical conditions that can present secondary to a spectrum of ITB dysfunction  eg external snapping hip syndrome, ITB syndrome[2]

Image 1: The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick band of fascia formed proximally at the hip by the fascia of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae muscles.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick band of fascia formed proximally at the hip by the fascia of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae muscles.

The band consists of deep and superficial layers:

  1. The superficial layer is the main tendinous component and inserts onto Gerdy's tubercle on the anterior lateral tibia
  2. The deep layer inserts on the intermuscular septum of the distal femur

A small recess exists between the lateral femoral epicondyle and the ITB, which contains a synovial extension of the knee joint capsule (lateral synovial recess)[1]

The ITB shares the innervation of the TFL and gluteus maximus via the superior gluteal nerve and inferior gluteal nerve

Function.[edit | edit source]

Proximal ITB function includes:

  1. Hip extension
  2. Hip abduction
  3. Lateral hip rotation

Distally, ITB function depends on the position of the knee joint

  1. Full extension to 20 to 30 degrees of flexion: Active knee extensor, ITB lying anterior to the lateral femoral epicondyle
  2. 20 to 30 degrees of flexion to full flexion ROM: Active knee flexor, ITB lies posterior relative to the lateral femoral epicondyle[2]

Physiotherapy[edit | edit source]

The iliotibial band is one of the most common running injuries we see as physiotherapists. It is considered a non-traumatic overuse injury and is often concomitant with underlying weakness of hip abductor muscles. For more see Iliotibial Band Syndrome

External snapping hip syndrome is another ITB pathology you may encounter[3].

Clinical examination testing for ITB dysfunction is best elicited utilizing the Ober Test, see here

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:[edit | edit source]

1-Hip Bridge with Resistance Band[edit | edit source]

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.

2-Side Lying Hip Abduction[edit | edit source]

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.

3- Lateral Band Walk[edit | edit source]

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[4].

4-Side Plank[edit | edit source]

start by performing 3-5 repetitions for 10 seconds each, gradually adding more repetitions.

Related articles[edit | edit source]

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Snapping Hip Syndrome

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Radiopedia ITB Available: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/iliotibial-band?lang=gb (accessed 27.12.2021)
  2. 2.0 2.1 Hyland S, Graefe S, Varacallo M. Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, iliotibial band (tract). StatPearls [Internet]. 2020 Aug 10.Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537097/(accessed 27.12.2021)
  3. Winston P, Awan R, Cassidy JD, et al. Clinical examination and ultrasound of self-reported snapping hip syndrome in elite ballet dancers. Am J Sports Med. 2007 Jan;35(1):118–126. [PubMed]
  4. Berry et al. 2015. Resisted side-stepping: the effect of posture on hip abductor muscle activation. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy" />