This is common fascia of the tensor of fasciae latae, gluteus maximus, and medius. Its distal insertion is on the tibial Gerdy tubercle and proximal to the knee; it inserts on the supracondylar tubercle of the lateral femoral condyle with the intermuscular septum.

With functional flexion and extension of the knee, the iliotibial band passes over the lateral femoral epicondyle with an inflammatory response in the soft tissues.

On MRI the tissues around the iliotibial band become hyperintense on T2-weighted images, with cystic organization in the late or chronic phase of the inflammation. On axial images the iliotibial band inflammation has to be differentiated by the normal lateral recess, as the recess is located anterior to the femoral epicondyle, while the iliotibial band and the collection fluid are located posteriorly.