A cadaveric study of the Arcade of Frohse

Abstract

Arcade of Frohse (AF) is the free aponeurotic proximal edge of the superficial part of supinator muscle. The posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) passes deep to it before entering supinator muscle. AF is the most frequent cause of PIN compression and radial tunnel syndrome. Knowledge of anatomy of AF is essential for surgeons while performing PIN decompression surgery. To study the morphology and morphometry of Arcade of Frohse. The descriptive study was carried out in the department of anatomy on the cadavers that were routinely used for undergraduate education. The AF was dissected out and studied in 60 upper limbs of adult human cadavers. Its shape and consistency were studied. The length, width and thickness of the arcade were measured using Vernier’s callipers. : All measurements were recorded in mm and analysed using range, mean and standard deviation. The shape of the arcade was semicircular in 13%, semi-oval in 17% and oblique elongated in 70%. The arcade was tendinous in 80% and membranous in 20%. The mean length, width and thickness of AF are respectively 13.1± 2.64 mm, 10.21± 2.57 mm and 0.43± 0.37 mm respectively. Three types of morphology of AF have been identified based on the shape of the arcade. Tendinous AF was four times commoner than the membranous. The arcade had an average length, width and thickness of 13 mm, 10 mm and 0.4 mm respectively.