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Journal of Hand and Microsurgery logoLink to Journal of Hand and Microsurgery
. 2010 Jan 8;1(2):92–99. doi: 10.1007/s12593-009-0022-7

The functional anatomy of forearm rotation

Vivien C Lees 1,✉
PMCID: PMC3453027  PMID: 23129940

Abstract

The elbow, forearm and wrist act as a unified structure to provide a stable, strong and highly mobile strut for positioning the hand in space and for conducting load-bearing tasks. An understanding of the relevant anatomy and biomechanics is important for the surgeon assessing and treating disorders of forearm function. This paper is concerned with illuminating the principles and concepts governing forearm rotation and load-bearing functions.

Keywords: Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), Proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ), Interosseous membrane (IOM), Anatomy, Biomechanics

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