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 hypoth esized to function as an anterolateral ligament of the knee. The iliopatellar band provides stabilization of the patella against a medially directed force and is dynam ically influenced by the vastus lateralis.
The relationship of the iliotibial tract to extraarticular reconstructions of the knee with anterolateral rotatory instability is discussed.
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