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.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
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.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.