The interosseous membrane of the forearm is oriented with its fibers running distally and medially from the radius to the ulna. Which of the following best describes its primary biomechanical function?
- A It maintains the radioulnar convergence during pronation and supination
- B It is the primary restraint against volar dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint
- C It transmits compressive forces from the hand and wrist to the humerus and provides attachment for forearm muscles ✓
- D It prevents proximal migration of the radius after radial head excision
Correct answer: C. It transmits compressive forces from the hand and wrist to the humerus and provides attachment for forearm muscles
Explanation
The interosseous membrane of the forearm has fibers that run distally and medially from the radius to the ulna. Its primary functions are to transmit compressive loads from the hand and wrist (received primarily by the radius at the wrist) proximally toward the elbow and humerus (borne primarily by the ulna), and to provide attachment for flexor digitorum profundus, flexor pollicis longus, and pronator quadratus muscles.
Reference: Nordin and Frankel: Basic Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System, 5th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.