The Function of the Distal Interosseous Membrane and its Relevance to the Stability of the Distal Radioulnar Joint: An Anatomical and Biomechanical Review.

The purpose of this article is to review functional anatomy and biomechanics of the distal interosseous membrane (DIOM) and its relevance to the stability of the distal radioulnar joint. The intact DIOM constrained dorsal dislocation of the radius, but it seldom constrained palmar dislocation. A residual ulnar translation deformity of the radial shaft in distal radius fractures has the potential to cause the distal radioulnar joint instability when the triangular fibrocartilage complex injury is also present, because it may result in detensioning of DIOM. Ulnar shortening with the osteotomy performed proximal to the attachment of the DIOM had a more favorable effect on stability of the DRUJ compared with the effect of distal osteotomy, especially in the presence of the distal oblique bundle (DOB). The longitudinal resistance to ulnar shortening was significantly greater in proximal shortening than in distal shortening.