Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Fascia Lata

The fascia lata (FL) is a fascial plane that surrounds the deep tissues of the thigh. It varies in thickness throughout its course from the hip to the leg. It receives fibers from gluteus maximus and tensor fascia lata (TFL) laterally. This arrangement could explain the often interchangeability with the (TFL) and the iliotibial band (ITB) colloquially. The TFL often serves as a landmark for surgical procedures, including anterior/anterolateral hip and femur procedures. It functions as a lateral stabilizer to the knee and an abductor of the hip/thigh. The ITB is an extension of the tensor fascia, and it is redundant tissue in the lateral thigh compartment partially composed of the TFL. All of these components work synchronously to stabilize the lateral compartment of the thigh.