Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
You currently have no access to view or download this content. Please log in with your institutional or personal account if you should have access to through either of these
The Bone & Joint Journal Logo

Receive monthly Table of Contents alerts from The Bone & Joint Journal

Comprehensive article alerts can be set up and managed through your account settings

View my account settings

Trauma

THE INTEROSSEOUS MEMBRANE IN RADIO-ULNAR DISSOCIATION



Download PDF

Abstract

In severe forearm injuries, the diagnosis of disruption of the interosseous membrane is frequently delayed and sometimes missed, giving difficulties in the salvage of forearm stability.

We studied the structure and function of the interosseous membrane in 11 cadaver preparations, using mechanical and histological analysis. Seven of the specimens tested in uniaxial tension sustained a mid-substance tear of the central band of the membrane at a mean peak load of 1038 ± 308 N. The axial stiffness was 190 ± 44 N/mm with elongation to failure of 10.34 ± 2.46 mm. These results provide criteria for the evaluation of reconstructive methods.

A preliminary clinical investigation of the use of ultrasound suggests that this may be of value in the screening of patients with complex fractures of the forearm, and for investigating the natural history of tears of the interosseous membrane.


Correspondence should be sent to Dr A. L. Wallace.

For access options please click here