Prevalence of the distal oblique bundle of the interosseous membrane of the forearm: an anatomical study

Abstract

A study was undertaken to examine the presence of the distal oblique bundle of the forearm in a large sample in order to describe its true prevalence. The study sample consisted of 200 cadaveric forearms. Fifteen were excluded due to defects in the distal interosseous membrane. In the remaining 185 specimens, the distal interosseous membrane was examined following removal of soft tissue, to determine whether a distal oblique bundle was present and whether there were connecting fibres to the distal radio-ulnar joint. The distal oblique bundle was observed in 53 specimens (29%). In 45 of these forearms (85%), one or more connecting fibres to the distal radio-ulnar joint were identified. The presence of a distal oblique bundle in 29% is less frequent than that reported in previous literature. The presence of the distal oblique bundle should be noted and may be of importance in the management of disorders of the distal radio-ulnar joint.

Anatomic Characteristics of the Distal Oblique Bundle of the Interosseous Membrane of the Forearm

“…In our study, the mean thickness of the bundle was 0.83 mm (range: 0.6 to 1.0 mm). This is comparable to the measurements of Hohenberger et al [4], who report 0.9 mm (range: 0.5 to 1.8 mm) and Dy et al [13], who report 0.85 mm ± 0.28 mm (range: 0.64 to 1.33 mm). Other authors reported thicker DOBs.…”

“…In these measurements, we have noticed a high range between the widths of our specimens. The same observation was made by Hohenberger et al [4], who reported a mean width of 9 mm (range: 4 to 19 mm) and also by Noda et al, who reported 4.4 mm ± 1.1 mm (range: 2 to 6 mm) [1].…”

“…We report 37.5%, but our study sample is very small. In our opinion, Hohenberger et al’s work on 185 forearms [4] is most relevant in this regard. They reported a prevalence of 29 % (53 specimens out of the 185 had a DOB), while smaller samples of about 10 to 30 forearms reported a prevalence of 40% [1-2,12].…”

“…After removal of all the soft tissues over the DIOM, the specimens were examined for the presence of a distinct DOB. Based on other studies, we described structures as DOBs only when their thickness was 0.5 mm or greater [4,6,12]. Measurements were taken with analog vernier calipers (KS Tools Pocket Vernier Calipers 0-150 mm 300.0510) with an accuracy of 0.05 mm.…”

“…This definition has been accepted in most of the relevant literature. In addition to this, Hohenberger et al noticed one or more connecting fibers to the DRUJ or to components of the TFCC, in 85% of DOBs [4].…”