Reconstruction of the interosseous membrane of the forearm in cadavers.

The biomechanical function of the interosseous membrane of the forearm was examined in 12 fresh cadaver forearms. The strain in the central band of the interosseous membrane was found to be greatest in full pronation and was significantly increased with excision of the radial head. The proximal/distal location of the lunate fossa of the radius with respect to the ulna was measured and was found to be most distal in supination and most proximal in pronation, in both the intact specimen and after excision of the radial head. Serial sectioning of the interosseous membrane and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) demonstrated that both the central band and the TFCC are important to the axial stability of the forearm. Reconstruction of the central band, using a graft based upon the flexor carpi radialis, was performed in all 12 specimens after the interosseous membrane and the TFCC were sectioned. It was successful in preventing complete migration of the radius to the capitellum, but it was not capable of completely restoring the longitudinal stability of the forearm. Central band reconstruction as described here has not been performed in the clinical setting and is not advocated for clinical application at this time.