The fascia lata is the deep fascia of the thigh enclosing all thigh musculature, thickened laterally as the iliotibial band. It sends intermuscular septa to the femur, dividing the thigh into anterior, posterior, and medial compartments. Anteriorly it has a natural gap, the saphenous opening, through which the great saphenous vein joins the femoral vein.
An expanded entry for Fascia Lata.
| Location | Investing deep fascia of the thigh, beneath the subcutaneous fat |
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Forms the outer wall of the thigh compartments, gives the iliotibial tract its strength, and provides insertion for tensor fasciae latae and part of gluteus maximus.
Compartment syndrome requires fasciotomy, usually through lateral and medial thigh incisions that together decompress all three compartments. Fascia lata grafts are used in ligament reconstruction, eyelid and orbital surgery, and fascial coverage procedures. Harvest rarely causes a functional deficit, though a scar or contour defect can remain.
Raised fascial compartment pressure after crush injury requiring urgent three-compartment fasciotomy.
Strip harvested for ligament reconstruction, ACL, UCL, orbital and eyelid reconstruction, with no functional donor deficit.
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