Purpose
The interosseous membrane (IOM) of the forearm is a stout ligamentous complex that
reportedly comprises several ligamentous components. The purpose of this cadaveric
study was to define all IOM ligaments and to clarify the precise attachment locations.
Methods
Thirty forearms from 15 embalmed cadavers were used. After dissection, all IOM ligaments
were identified, and attachments were measured from the tip of the radial styloid
or the ulnar head. Attachment locations were represented as a percentage of total
bone length from the distal end of the radius or ulna.
Results
The IOM included 5 kinds of ligaments: central band, accessory band, distal oblique
bundle, proximal oblique cord, and dorsal oblique accessory cord. The most distal
and proximal ends of the radial origin of the central band were 53% and 64% of total
radial length from the tip of the radial styloid, whereas those of the ulnar insertion
were 29% and 44% of total ulnar length from the ulnar head. The center point of the
radial origin and ulnar insertion of the accessory band were 37% and 23%, respectively.
The center points of the ulnar origins and radial insertions were 15% and 10% for
the distal oblique bundle; 80% and 79% for the proximal oblique cord; and 64% and
62% for the dorsal oblique accessory cord, respectively.
Conclusions
The present study clarified precise attachment locations of all representative IOM
ligaments. This information will be useful in planning proper graft placement in ligament
reconstruction surgery and for future biomechanics research into the function of the
IOM ligaments.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 12, 2009
Accepted:
October 27,
2008
Received:
April 18,
2008
Footnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc.
