The Relation of the Posterior Interosseous Nerve to the Proximal Radius

Abstract

Background: lnjury to the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) can be caused by trauma, by non-trauma. Measurement of the PIN the proximal radius in Thai patientshas been documented, but the relationship was unclear.This study has set out to define the relationship of theposterior interossous nerve to the proximal radius clearly.
Objective: To measure the relationship of the PIN to the proximal radius to establish a guide to the posterolateral approach to the proximal radius during orthopedic interventions.
Design: Descriptive study
Setting: The Gross Anatomy Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Khon Kaen University.
Subjects: forearms on 66 Thai cadavers (25 male and 8 female). Age range at time of decease 22 to 82 years.
Measurement: 1. Distance of the PIN from the radial articular surface to the branches emerging from thesupinator                        2. Distance of the PIN from the radial articular surface to the first branch to the extensor carpi  ulnaris, extensor digitorum communis
results: 1. The mean distance of the PIN from the radial articular surface to the branches emerging from the supinator was 5.35 + 0.86 cm.
2. The mean distance of the PIN from the radial articular surface to the first branch was 5.69 + 0.82 cm.
Conclusion: These results that interventions 5.35 cm. to 5.69 cm. from radial articular surface to the proximal radius could pose a danger to the integrity of the PIN.
Keyword: (1) Posterior lnterosseous Nerve (2) Radius