17/03/2026
🦵The anatomy of the ITB 🦵
Many people are aware that the ITB runs along the outside of their thigh but might be surprised to learn it’s a connective tissue and not a muscle.
ITB stands for iliotibial band i.e. ilio = pelvis and tibial = shin bone.
It begins at the pelvis, connecting to the fibres of the gluteus maximus and the TFL muscle (a small muscle located on the outer hip).
It runs down along the outside of the thigh and inserts at the proximal tibia (the upper widened end of the shin bone) at a site referred to as Gerdy’s tubercle, which is a smooth bony projection 2-3cm below the knee joint.
The ITB is firmly attached to the whole length of the femur through fascial connections, though as it has no direct bony attachment to the femur, the ITB can shift anterior or posterior (front to back) as your knee flexes and extends.
❓Did you know? ❓
Fact: ITB is not present at birth but develops when we start walking as a baby or toddler.