title: Mechanics of the antebrachial interosseous membrane: response to shearing forces.
abstract: The interosseous membrane functions to maintain the structural integrity of the forearm; however, the age-related mechanical properties of the intact membrane are incompletely defined. The purpose of this study is to quantify the mechanical properties of the interosseous membrane by applying a quasi-equilibrium shearing force between the radius and ulna. A 5-cm section of the central (main and accessory bundles) fiber from 11 (5 male and 6 female) fresh-frozen cadaver arms (age, 74 +/- 6.9 years) was isolated with the radial and ulnar attachments, measured, and positioned into the testing apparatus. A shear force was applied at 12.7 mm/min to produce a quasi-equilibrium state, and the applied force and elongation were monitored. The average ultimate force, ultimate strength, and elastic modulus were 1101 +/- 191 N, 13.98 +/- 4.85 MPa, and 135.29 +/- 41.57 MPa, respectively. Age-related changes were also noted with an increase in thickness by 0.056 mm per year of age and a decrease in fiber stiffness of 4.78 MPa/yr. The age-related mechanical properties of the intact interosseous membrane are necessary for modeling forearm stability in normal and pathologic conditions. This information is required for analysis of repair or reconstructive procedures.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, College of Engineering, and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Temple University, and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia Unit, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: McGinley
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: D'addessi
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sadeghipour
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kozin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000502:physiology*; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011884:Radius / Q000502:physiology; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014457:Ulna / Q000502:physiology