The anatomical characteristics of the distal site where the posterior interosseous nerve through the radial tunnel and its clinical significance

Objective:To study the possible compression site of the posterior interosseous nerve at the distal of the supinator muscle and its clinical significance.Methods:On 18 cadaveric specimens,the posterior interosseous nerves were dissected under headed diploid magnifying glass to observe their routes,branches,compression sites and the influences of forearm movement on them after the interosseous nerves went out of the supinator muscle.Results:All of the posterior interosseous nerves were divided into radial branches and ulnar branches,which can be compressed by the distal borders of the supinator muscles,the tendinous fibers on the superficial layer of the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis and the forearm activity may cause compression of the posterior interosseous nerves.Conclusions:Some anatomic structures at distal radial tunnel may cause the compression of the posterior interosseous nerve,and sometimes the operative exploration and relaxation are necessary.