Ultrasonography for the interosseous membrane of the forearm.

The ability to improve the technique for an accurate clinical diagnosis of the injury of interosseous membrane of the forearm (IOM) associated with forearm fractures and dislocations is important for its treatment and prognosis. Ultrasound examination of the IOM in 46 forearms from 18 normal volunteers, five patients with restricted forearm pronation and supination, and two preoperative cases was performed to determine the usefulness and reproductivity of this examination. The intact IOM was observed as a continuous, slightly convex anteriorly and hyperechoic structure between the radius and ulna with both transverse and longitudinal views. IOMs with histories of forearm injuries were distinguished by the findings, which demonstrated a loss of continuity and were seen as hypoechoic traces from the others. This study confirmed that it is possible to trace the entire IOM and to detect differences between intact and disrupted IOMs with transverse and longitudinal views.