Inclusive Anatomy
Structure:
The tubercle of the iliotibial tract is a smooth, oval bony prominence located on the anterolateral aspect of the proximal tibia, just inferior to the lateral tibial condyle.[1] It serves as the distal insertion site of the iliotibial tract (iliotibial band), a thickened lateral extension of the fascia lata that descends along the lateral thigh.[1]
Gerdy’s tubercle lies anterior to the fibular head and lateral to the tibial tuberosity. Although it is anatomically close to the common peroneal (fibular) nerve as the nerve courses around the fibular neck, the nerve does not directly contact the tubercle itself.[2] The tubercle is readily palpable and serves as an important surface landmark at the knee.[1]
Popular
Recipes
Function:
The primary function of the tubercle of the iliotibial tract is to anchor the iliotibial tract, thereby contributing to lateral stabilization of the knee during standing, walking, and running.[1] Through tension in the iliotibial tract, forces generated by the tensor fasciae latae and gluteus maximus are transmitted to the tibia, assisting in knee extension and controlling varus–valgus motion.[1]
Clinically, Gerdy’s tubercle has several applications. It may be involved in avulsion fractures, particularly in adolescents, where injury can occur concurrently with fractures of the tibial tuberosity.[3] It is also used as a donor site for cancellous bone grafts in upper-extremity reconstructive surgery.[4] Additionally, its predictable location makes it a useful landmark in procedures involving the lateral knee and in defining a “safe zone” relative to the common peroneal nerve.[2]
References:
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Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 6th ed. International ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010.
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Rubel IF, Schwarzbard I, Leonard A, Cece D. Anatomic location of the peroneal nerve at the level of the proximal aspect of the tibia: Gerdy’s safe zone. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2004;86(8):1625-1628. doi:10.2106/00004623-200408000-00004
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Yoo JH, Hahn SH, Yang BK, Yi SR, Ahn YJ, Yoon DJ, Kim JH. An en bloc avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity and Gerdy’s tubercle in an adolescent basketball player: A case report. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2007;15(6):781-785. doi:10.1007/s00167-006-0213-8
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Brutus JP, Loftus JB. Gerdy’s tubercle as a source of cancellous bone graft for surgery of the upper extremity: Description of technique. J Hand Surg Am. 2006;31(1):147-149. doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2005.07.011
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