Lower limb
Fascial system of lower limb (Fascia lata, IT band, crural fascia, plantar fascia, septa)
Fascia lata, tractus iliotibialis, fascia cruris, aponeurosis plantaris et septa
- Origin
- Iliac crest, patella, tibia, calcaneal tuberosity (plantar fascia), and tendinous arch of soleus
- Insertion
- Gerdy's tubercle (IT band), fibular borders, intermuscular septa, and plantar digital slips; includes saphenous opening
- Function
- Encloses anterior, lateral, and deep/superficial posterior leg compartments, powering the deep venous muscle pump; IT band stabilizes lateral pelvis and knee; plantar aponeurosis drives the Windlass arch-tightening mechanism
- Innervation
- Lateral femoral cutaneous, saphenous, sural, and plantar nerves (L2–S2)
- Movement & chain
- Transmits axial kinetic energy; Windlass mechanism raises arch upon toe dorsiflexion
- Palpation
- Palpable along lateral thigh (IT band), anterior shin, and central plantar foot arch
- Clinical
- Iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS / runner's knee; positive Ober/Noble tests); Acute leg compartment syndrome; Plantar fasciitis; Meralgia paresthetica.
- Segmental innervation
- L2–S2
- In clinical practice
- Ober and Noble tests for ITBS, hip abductor strengthening, plantar fascia specific stretching, Windlass test, and night splints
- Region in the model
- Lower limb