Anatomical study on the attachment location of forearm interosseous membrane ligament

Objective To elucidate the composition and precise attachment location of the forearm interosseous membrane ligament complex. Methods Thirty-two adult cadaveric forearm specimens were dissected to identify all ligaments of the interosseous membrane, measure the distance between the attachment site and the radius styloid process or the tip of the ulna head, and express the attachment location of the ligament by the percentage of the length to the length of the whole ulna and radius. Results The forearm interosseous membrane consists of five ligament components: central ligament, accessory ligament, distal oblique tract, proximal oblique cord and dorsal accessory oblique cord. The distal and proximal positions of the radius origin of the central ligament were 55% and 66% of the total radius length, respectively, and 30% and 42% of the total ulna length. The central points of the radius and ulna attachment location were 38% of the radius and 24% of the ulna for the accessory ligament, 10% of the radius and 16% of the ulna for the distal oblique tract, 78% of the radius and 82% of the ulna for the proximal oblique cord, and 63% of the radius and 65% of the ulna for the dorsal accessory oblique cord. Conclusion This study elucidates the precise attachment location of all the typical forearm interosseous membrane ligaments. This information is very useful for the biomechanical study of the interosseous membrane ligaments and the appropriate transplantation location of the interosseous membrane reconstruction surgery. Key words: Forearm; Anatomy; Interosseous membrane; Ligaments; Attachment location