Purpose
The length change of the interosseous membrane (IOM) during forearm rotation has not
been fully studied. To explore the meaning of length change in the distal oblique
band (DOB), the distal accessory band (DAB), and the proximal, middle, and distal
parts of the central band (CBP, CBM, and CBD, respectively), we investigated the length
change in these ligaments at maximum pronation, 45° of pronation, neutral position,
45° of supination, and maximum supination in vivo.
Methods
The images of the right forearms from 6 healthy volunteers were obtained by computed
tomography scanning at the 5 above-mentioned rotation positions. We created 3-dimensional
models of the radius and ulna, DOB, DAB, and central band based on the points of origin
and insertion. Finally, the length of each ligament was estimated from the points
of insertions and origins registered on the 3-dimensional models.
Results
The DAB and CBD lengths increased significantly from maximum pronation to 45° of pronation.
The DOB length increased significantly from 45° of pronation to neutral position and
decreased significantly from 45° of supination to maximum supination. The DAB and
CBM lengths increased significantly from neutral position to 45° of supination. The
DAB length decreased significantly from 45° of supination to maximum supination. For
the CBP, no difference in length was observed during forearm rotation.
Conclusions
The DOB becomes taut at neutral position, and the central band, especially the CBP,
is nearly isometric. The findings indicate that the DOB may provide the primary stabilization
of the distal radioulnar joint and that the central band is the key stabilizer during
forearm rotation.
Clinical relevance
Surgeons may pay attention to the DOB when a patient incurs a distal radioulnar joint
injury, and the CBP may be the optimal location for IOM reconstruction.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 05, 2022
Accepted:
June 7,
2022
Received:
May 24,
2021
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
