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Tensor fasciae latae

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Anatomy

Tensor fascia latae - anterolateral view
Tensor fascia latae - anterior view
Tensor fascia latae - posterolateral view

General information

  • This section is strictly limited to anatomy, you might be looking for clinical relevant information which is found under the clinical chapters -- muscles section, click here to go to that page
  • Tightens the fascia latae

Position

  • Superficial

Origin

  • SIAS (Spina iliaca anterior superior)
  • Anterior part of the ilium crest
  • Deep surface of the lata fascia

Insertion

  • Iliotibial band
    • From proximal 1/3 to the middle 1/3 of it's length

Main function

  • Hip
    • Flexion
    • Abduction
    • Medial rotation
  • Pelvis
    • Anterior tilt

Secondary function

  • Hip
    • Depression
  • Pelvis
    • Ipsilateral rotation
  • Knee
    • Extension

Nerve innervation

  • Segmental
    • L4-S1
  • Peripheral
    • Superior gluteal nerve

Arterial supply

  • Superior gluteal artery
  • Deep femoral artery

Palpation

  • Patient position
    • Supine
  • Palpate the SIAS and place your hand just distally and laterally to this point
  • Ask the patient to hold the leg in a flexed and medially rotated position of the hip
  • Give resistance to the patient in a direction of extension (for the hip) so that the patient is using the flexors while you feel for the contraction of the muscle
  • You can palpate the tensor fascia latae distally towards the insertion at the iliotibial band

Strength test

  • Patient position
    • Supine
  • Fixate the patient's pelvis on the opposite side during the testing (if the patient has problems holding the pelvis rested towards the bench)
  • Place a pressure towards the patient in a direction of extension and adduction so that the patient is giving force towards flexion and abduction
  • The patient's knee is hold in full extension throughout the test
  • Weakness can be seen if the patient has problems holding the leg in a medial rotation throughout the test
  • Test bilaterally to notice any differences, bilateral weakness is not uncommon