Prevalence of the distal oblique bundle of the interosseous membrane of the forearm: an anatomical study.

A study was undertaken to examine the presence of the distal oblique bundle of the forearm in a large sample in order to describe its true prevalence. The study sample consisted of 200 cadaveric forearms. Fifteen were excluded due to defects in the distal interosseous membrane. In the remaining 185 specimens, the distal interosseous membrane was examined following removal of soft tissue, to determine whether a distal oblique bundle was present and whether there were connecting fibres to the distal radio-ulnar joint. The distal oblique bundle was observed in 53 specimens (29%). In 45 of these forearms (85%), one or more connecting fibres to the distal radio-ulnar joint were identified. The presence of a distal oblique bundle in 29% is less frequent than that reported in previous literature. The presence of the distal oblique bundle should be noted and may be of importance in the management of disorders of the distal radio-ulnar joint.