Magnetic resonance imaging of the forearm - Cross-sectional anatomy in a cadaveric model

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. Compartmental anatomy of the forearm is complex and controversial, The purpose of this investigation was to demonstrate via magnetic resonance the anatomy of forearm compartments acid their preferential ways of communication in a human cadaveric model. METHODS. Twelve forearm spaces (11 muscles and one intermuscular) mere injected with a solution containing gadopentetate dimeglumine, The extent and distribution of leakage mere evaluated on axial fat-suppressed TI-weighted spin-echo images, The findings were related to known descriptions of compartmental anatomy of the forearm. RESULTS. Contrast leakage occurred mostly into the intermuscular space and into the muscles adjacent to the injected muscle, A frank communication within the classically described three forearm compartments (volar, radial, and dorsal) was not present, The interosseous membrane was not an absolute barrier between flexor and extensor compartments, CONCLUSION. The classic description of three forearm compartments mag not be sufficient to explain distribution of soft tissue abnormalities.