Reconstruction of the interosseous membrane of the forearm with a graft substitute: A cadaveric study

No graft reconstruction limited proximal radial displacement as effectively as the native IOM. Of the 3 graft tissues tested the BPTB allograft had the greatest cross-sectional area, allowed the least proximal radial displacement, and displayed the least permanent elongation after 10 cycles of loading. The relatively thin and narrow palmaris longus tendon appears to be the least desirable choice for IOM reconstruction because of its relatively low stiffness and tendency to elongate permanently after cyclic loading. When the radial head is absent rupture of the IOM allows unopposed proximal displacement of the radius relative to the ulna as the wrist is loaded axially. In the present tests all 3 graft tissues used to reconstruct the IOM limited proximal radial displacement. The choice of graft material is an important variable if IOM reconstruction is considered for treatment of an Essex-Lopresti injury.