Suture-Button Reconstruction of the Interosseous Membrane

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Longitudinal forearm instability requires interosseous membrane (IOM) reconstruction.
• Suture-button reconstruction is a minimally invasive technique with no donor site morbidity.
• Comparative data on suture-button reconstruction versus alternatives are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature on forearm axis reconstruction.
• To describe the suture-button technique for IOM reconstruction.
• To present biomechanical data and a case report on suture-button reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of forearm axis reconstruction techniques.
• Description of the suture-button implantation procedure (percutaneous or open).
• Summary of existing biomechanical data and a clinical case report.

Main Results:

• Evidence for technique selection is primarily from biomechanical studies and case reports.
• Suture-button reconstruction can be performed percutaneously or via an open approach.
• Biomechanical data and case reports inform the clinical application of this technique.

Conclusions:

• Suture-button reconstruction of the IOM can promote anatomic healing in acute forearm axis injuries, particularly with radial head procedures.
• For chronic injuries, a combined suture-button graft and ulnar shortening osteotomy may be beneficial.
• This technique provides a viable option for managing forearm instability.