From the Research
The pronator quadratus muscle attaches to the distal radius. This small, quadrilateral-shaped muscle is located on the anterior (palmar) surface of the forearm, spanning between the distal portions of the radius and ulna. It originates from the distal quarter of the anterior surface of the ulna and inserts onto the distal quarter of the anterior surface of the radius. The primary function of the pronator quadratus is to pronate the forearm, which means it rotates the radius over the ulna to turn the palm downward. It also helps stabilize the distal radioulnar joint during various hand movements. This muscle is innervated by the anterior interosseous nerve, a branch of the median nerve. The pronator quadratus is clinically significant as it often needs to be reflected during surgical approaches to distal radius fractures, which are among the most common fractures in adults.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the attachment of the pronator quadratus to the distal radius include:
- The anatomical relationship between the pronator quadratus and the brachioradialis muscle insertion, as studied in 1 and 2
- The effects of pronator quadratus repair on functional outcomes, as investigated in 3
- The biomechanical consequences of brachioradialis tendon release, as examined in 4
- The clinical significance of the pronator quadratus in distal radius fractures, as discussed in 5
However, the most recent and highest quality study 2 supports the attachment of the pronator quadratus to the distal radius, and this is consistent with the general understanding of forearm anatomy. Therefore, when considering the attachment of muscles to the distal radius, the pronator quadratus is the primary muscle of concern, and its attachment and function should be carefully evaluated in the context of distal radius fractures and other forearm injuries.