Interosseus Membrane Reconstruction Following a Forearm Injury: A Case Report

Background  Essex-Lopresti injuries are complex, frequently missed forearm/elbow injuries consisting of a fracture of the radial head with disruption of both the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and the interosseous membrane (IOM). Ideal management of these injuries remains controversial, especially in relation to the IOM, due in part to underdiagnosis of IOM injury and incomplete understanding of the IOM role. Methods  A 43-year-old man sustained an open radial shaft fracture with associated radial head subluxation, coronoid base fracture, and DRUJ injury with ulnar head subluxation. He was taken for surgery, where elbow instability with near complete disruption of the IOM was observed. Persistent gross rotational instability was noted following radius fixation, so braided suture and button reconstruction of the central band of the IOM was performed. This restored rotational and longitudinal stability to the radiocapitellar joint and DRUJ. Over 1 year out from the index surgery, the patient's elbow and DRUJ have remained stable, and he is back working as a laborer. Results  While little literature exists on outcomes of acute IOM reconstruction in these injuries, recent biomechanical studies have shown the importance of the central band on rotational elbow stability. Conclusion  This case supports the importance of the central band of the IOM by demonstrating the impact of its repair on the longitudinal and rotational stability of the elbow and DRUJ. IOM repair has the potential to improve our treatment of this complicated injury by better restoring forearm stability and function of the elbow, which future studies could help further elucidate.