The fascia lata is the thick investing deep fascia of the thigh, surrounding the thigh muscles as a complete sleeve. It is thickened laterally as the iliotibial band and medially over the femoral canal. It is attached superiorly to the iliac crest, inguinal ligament, and pubic arch. Medially and inferiorly it is continuous with the crural fascia of the leg. The tensor fasciae latae inserts into the iliotibial band component.
Provides an investing sleeve for the thigh compartments, assists in venous return by compressive action during muscle contraction, and transmits force from the tensor fasciae latae and gluteus maximus to the iliotibial band and lateral knee.
Fascia lata is harvested for surgical grafts: it is used for pericardial reconstruction, orbital floor repair, dural patching, and fascial sling procedures for ptosis (Crawford frontalis suspension). The harvest site over the lateral thigh leaves a donor scar with occasional contour deformity. In fasciotomy for thigh compartment syndrome, the fascia lata is released longitudinally to decompress the anterior, posterior, and medial thigh compartments. The lateral thickening (ITB) is the site of iliotibial band syndrome (runner's knee).
Crush injury, prolonged limb compression, or vascular injury producing thigh compartment syndrome requires fasciotomy through the fascia lata to decompress all three thigh compartments through two incisions, with fascial release through the lateral fascia lata incision accessing anterior and posterior compartments.
