Interosseous membrane reconstruction for forearm longitudinal instability

Abstract

Forearm longitudinal instability results from an axial load to the forearm with fracture or dislocation of the radial head and disruption of the interosseous membrane and that of the distal radioulnar joint. Patients may present in the acute or chronic setting with radioulnar instability as manifested by persistent or new forearm discomfort and wrist and elbow pain. Reconstruction of the interosseous membrane has been described to restore longitudinal forearm stability. We describe reconstruction of the central band of the interosseous membrane with a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. This procedure may be carried out in conjunction with radial head fixation or replacement and TFCC repair in the acute setting or ulnar shortening osteotomy in late presenting cases.