Reconstruction of the forearm interosseous membrane: a biomechanical study of three different techniques

Abstract

Reconstruction of the interosseous membrane has the potential to re-establish a normal loading pattern through the forearm and enhance stability after an Essex-Lopresti lesion. The aim of our study was to assess the capacity of three different techniques, which all use a regionally harvested autograft, to restore longitudinal stability. Simulation of the Essex-Lopresti lesion was done by excising the radial head and sectioning the interosseous membrane in seven cadaveric specimens. Each technique was used in each specimen consecutively, using the pronator teres, the brachioradialis and the flexor carpi radialis tendons, respectively. The specimens were submitted to mechanical testing by applying proximally migratory forces to the radius and radioulnar displacement was assessed fluroscopically at wrist level. The pronator teres tendon achieved the greatest reduction (94% correction with respect to the intact interosseous membrane/radial head out state, followed by brachioradialis (92%) and flexor carpi radialis (85%). However, no statistically significant differences in displacement data or strength were detected between the techniques.