Iliac Fascia

fascia iliaca

The iliac fascia covers the iliacus muscle on the inner surface of the iliac fossa, continuous superiorly with the psoas fascia. Inferiorly it forms the iliopectineal fascia and contributes to the iliopectineal arch that divides the subinguinal space into the muscular and vascular lacunae.

Anatomical Data

Boundaries & Contents

Location	Iliac fossa, covering iliacus inside the pelvis
Boundaries	Laterally: inner lip of the iliac crest Medially: pelvic brim (arcuate line), continuous with the psoas fascia Below: inguinal ligament; it forms the iliopectineal arch dividing the muscular and vascular compartments under the ligament
Contents	Iliacus Femoral nerve and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve beneath it

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Covers iliacus and the femoral nerve; it is the layer targeted in the fascia iliaca block for hip fracture pain.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The iliac fascia is the anatomical target for iliac fascia compartment block (fascia iliaca block), a regional technique that anaesthetises the femoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, and obturator nerves through a single injection. It is used for hip fracture pain, femoral shaft fractures, and knee replacement analgesia. The fascia is tight and inelastic, making it the relevant boundary in iliopsoas haematoma and iliac abscess containment.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Iliac Fascia Compartment Syndrome

Pressure elevation within the iliac fascia from haematoma or abscess compressing the femoral nerve, producing quadriceps weakness and anterior thigh numbness requiring fascial decompression.

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