ABSTRACT
The deep fascia (1) is like a stocking encompassing the whole lower limb. In the thigh it is named fascia lata, which attaches to the inguinal ligament (2) and also to the bony prominences: iliac crest, ischium, pubic arch, femoral condyles. The fascia lata is continuous with the deep fascia of the leg, attaching to the tibial condyles, head of fibula and subcutaneous border of the tibia (3). At the ankle it is specialized to form flexor, extensor and fibular (peroneal) retinacula (4), before continuing with the fascia of the foot. In the thigh fascia lata is thinner medially and has an opening (cribriform fascia) to transmit the great saphenous vein (5). Laterally it is thickened to form the iliotibial tract (8), which runs from the ilium to the upper anterior part of the lateral tibial condyle. It receives two muscles and is an important stabilizer of both hip and knee joints, therefore of the lower limb.
