Lateral Knee Anatomy

The deep fascia of the thigh is the fascia lata. The lateral fibers of the fascia lata are thick and strong. They are called the iliotibial tract (ITT) or, interchangeably, the iliotibial band (ITB). The lateral intermuscular septum connects the ITT to the linea aspera of the femur. The septum divides the anterior from the posterior compartment of the thigh. The lateral superior genicular artery passes through the distal lateral intermuscular septum to go from the posterior to the anterior thigh compartment. The lateral inferior genicular artery courses along the peripheral edge of the lateral meniscus. The biceps femoris tendon inserts onto the fibular head next to the attachment of the fibular collateral ligament. The common peroneal nerve hugs the inner biceps femoris tendon. The popliteus tendon originates from the femur slightly distal to the femoral attachment of the fibular collateral ligament and passes through the joint at the junction of the middle and posterior thirds of the lateral tibial condyle. The popliteus tendon runs in its own groove on the lateral femoral condyle. The popliteus muscle inserts onto the posterior tibia.