Radioulnar syndesmosis (interosseous membrane of the forearm)

Study entry

Classification

Fibrous joint of the syndesmosis type: a sheet of fibrous tissue that joins the radius and the ulna and allows only a little movement.

Surfaces

Interosseous borders of the radius and the ulna, the sharp edges that face each other on the shafts of the two bones.

Capsule

Thin, fibrous membrane. Most of the fibers are oblique: they run down from the radius to the ulna. In this way, force that rises from the hand and reaches the radius passes to the ulna and from there to the humerus.

Movements

Allows only a little movement between the radius and the ulna.

Blood supply

[CHECK: not in Moore] Branches of the anterior and posterior interosseous arteries, which run alongside its surfaces.

Innervation

[CHECK: not in Moore] Branches of the anterior and posterior interosseous nerves.

Source: cap. 1, «Articulaciones fibrosas»; cap. 3, «Huesos del antebrazo» e «Articulaciones radioulnares»

Other structures in this region

• Superior and inferior transverse scapular ligaments
• Sternoclavicular joint
• Acromioclavicular joint
• Shoulder (glenohumeral) joint
• Elbow joint
• Proximal radioulnar joint
• Distal radioulnar joint
• Radiocarpal joint