Digitalization of the IOM: A comprehensive cadaveric study for obtaining three-dimensional models and morphological properties of the forearm’s interosseous membrane

Abstract

State-of-the-art of preoperative planning for forearm orthopaedic surgeries is currently limited to simple bone procedures. The increasing interest of clinicians for more comprehensive analysis of complex pathologies often requires dynamic models, able to include the soft tissue influence into the preoperative process. Previous studies have shown that the interosseous membrane (IOM) influences forearm motion and stability, but due to the lack of morphological and biomechanical data, existing simulation models of the IOM are either too simple or clinically unreliable. This work aims to address this problematic by generating 3D morphological and tensile properties of the individual IOM structures. First, micro-and standard-CT acquisitions were performed on five fresh-frozen annotated cadaveric forearms for the generation of 3D models of the radius, ulna and each of the individual ligaments of the IOM. Afterwards, novel 3D methods were developed for the measurement of common morphological features, which were validated against established optical ex-vivo measurements. Finally, we investigated the individual tensile properties of each IOM ligament. The generated 3D morphological features can provide the basis for the future development of functional planning simulation of the forearm.

Malunion deformity of the forearm: Three‐dimensional length variation of interosseous membrane and bone collision

“…">Furthermore, no conclusion can be made about true resistance in full pronation or supination. Previous histological studies described a predominance of elastic fibers in the DOB and POC in comparison to the CB 20 and biomechanical studies described a noticeable variation of stiffness among the different parts of the IOM 10 . Likewise, our simulations cannot quantitatively determine the maximal supination based on the resistance of the IOM but can rather assess qualitatively which of its parts predominantly lengthen during the full ROM and afterwards conjecture if it would produce a rotational deficit.…”

“…This study was performed on a computer tomography‐based 3D model of one left cadaveric forearm. The 3D surface models were produced during a previous study from our institution, which are publicly available and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International 10 . The specimen was acquired through a donor platform (Science Care) and is from a healthy Caucasian donor.…”

“…The 3D surface models were produced during a previous study from our institution, which are publicly available and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International. 10 The specimen was acquired through a donor platform (Science Care) and is from a healthy Caucasian donor. The simulations were performed with an in-house developed planning software (Balgrist CARD AG).…”