Tensile properties of the interosseous membrane of the human forearm

✍ Scribed by H. James Pfaeffle; Matthew M. Tomaino; Rupinder Grewal; Jiangming Xu; N. Douglas Boardman; Savio L-Y. Woo; James H. Herndon

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1996
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 365 KB
• Volume: 14
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0736-0266
• DOI: 10.1002/jor.1100140525

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

The interosseous membrane is a structure deep in the forearm that joins the radius and the ulna. It is made up of membranous and ligamentous regions. Two main ligamentous structures have been described: a prominent central fiber group, the “central band,” and a smaller proximal fibrous band, the “oblique cord.” Many authors believe that the central band plays a biomechanical role in the normal and fractured forearm and that it may function much like a ligament. The objective of this study was to determine the tensile properties of the central band. Eighteen fresh frozen forearms from cadavers (45–70 years of age, both sexes) were used. A fiber bundle of the central band was subjected to a uniaxial tensile test to failure in a materials testing machine, and its tensile properties were calculated. Stiffness, ultimate load, and energy absorbed to failure were expressed as a function of specimen width. The central band structure had a stiffness of 13.1 ± 3.0 N/mm per mm width and an ultimate load of 56.6 ± 15.1 N per mm width (mean ± SD). The tissue of the central band displayed a modulus of 608.1 ± 160.2 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 45.1 ± 10.3 MPa, and strain at failure of 9.0 ± 2.0%. This study demonstrated that the central band is comprised of strong tissue. The material properties of the central band compare with those of patellar tendon: modulus is 120% and ultimate tensile strength is 84% that of patellar tendon. As a structure, the interosseous membrane is stiff and capable of bearing high loads. Although load distribution across the central band is unknown, a 1.7 cm wide, evenly loaded homogenous portion of the central band would possess a stiffness comparable with that of the anterior cruciate ligament. The results of this study provide a basis for future analyses of radioulnar stability and load transfer.