Discovery of Posterior Oblique Ligament (POL) within the Distal Forearm Cruciate Complex (DFCC)

Abstract

Objectives: To introduce a ligament in the posterior distal extent of the forearm interosseous membrane (IOM). Methods: Ten cadavers were dissected in which the ligament was consistently present extending obliquely from the distal radius metaphysis to the distal radioulnar joint capsule. The ligament was also explored in a patient during posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) excision. Results: The posterior oblique ligament (POL) is found consistently in all cadavers via a dorsal approach. Conclusion: This discovery highlights the complexity of forearm ligamentous structures and their role in the proximal, middle, and distal radio-ulnar stabilization. Level of evidence: V