Biomechanics of forearm stabilisers

Abstract

The interosseous membrane and skeletal muscles that regulate posture and inter-joint coordination across the forearm were investigated. The work involved anatomical and load studies on human cadavers; and electrophysiological studies on macaquesa?? flexor carpi ulnaris. The interosseous membrane was found to resist tension loads, and varus-valgus moments. A classification based on morphology was developed, proposing that all forearm muscles can be described by either, or combinations of three unipennate muscle forms. The force potential of these unipennate muscles is dependent on the type of muscle shape, proximal aponeurosis and the connective tissue attachments along the muscle length. In a bipennate muscle comprising of two different unipennate muscle forms, the distal aponeurosis allows force transmission between the submuscle units, allowing it to function both as a segment mover and stabiliser. These findings can improve current musculoskeletal mathematical models of the forearm, providing a better understanding of the biomechanics in forearm disorders.