Tensor Fasciae Latae

Introduction

Illustration of the TFL and IT band

Tensor fasciae latae anatomy

Tensor Fasciae Latae & IT Band on the lateral thigh

Names

• Tensor Fascia Latae (TFL): muscle of the gluteal region
• Ilitiotibial tract: ligamentous attachment linking TFL to tibia
• Ilitiotibial Band
• IT band
• TFL
• Tensor Fasciae Latae Muscle
• Tensor Fascia Lata
• Tensor Muscle of the Fascia Lata
• Tensor of Fascia Lata
• Iliotibial Tensor Muscle
• Tensor Fasciae Femoris
• Tensor Fasciae Latae Musculus

General

• Thick fibrous band of tissue that runs from your hip to your knee
• Helps to stabilize the hip and knee
• Common source of pain/ irritation in athletes
• Part of the Hip Abductor Group

Origin

• Iliac Crest (anterior aspect)
• Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS)

Insertion

• Attaches to the deep, superficial fascia of the Iliiotibial tract
• This inserts distally onto lateral condyle of the tibia

Actions

• Internal Rotation and Abduction (minimal) of thigh
• External Rotation of knee
• Stabilizes hip and knee joints

Vascular Supply

• Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery (ascending branches)

Innervation

• Superior Gluteal Nerve (L4-S1)

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Clinical Significance

Pathology

• Iliotibial Band Syndrome
• Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
• Myofascial Trigger Points (especially in runners/cyclists)

Procedures

• Dry Needling
• Trigger Point Injections

Surgical Considerations

• Important landmark during anterolateral approaches to the hip

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See Also

Hip

• Physical Exam Hip
• Hip Anatomy Main
• Hip Pain Main

Thigh

• Physical Exam Thigh
• Thigh Anatomy Main
• Thigh Pain Main

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