Arcade of Frohse

Arcade of Frohse

The Arcade of Frohse, also known as the supinator arch, is an anatomical structure found in the human forearm. It is named after the German anatomist, Fritz de Quervain, who first described it in 1908. The arcade is a fibrous arch within the supinator muscle that forms the superior border of the radial tunnel, through which the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) passes.

Anatomy

The Arcade of Frohse is a part of the supinator muscle, which is located in the posterior compartment of the forearm. The supinator muscle is responsible for the supination of the forearm, or turning the hand so that the palm faces upwards. The arcade is a fibrous, tendinous arch that forms the upper part of the radial tunnel, a space through which the posterior interosseous nerve passes.

The posterior interosseous nerve is a branch of the radial nerve, which provides sensory and motor innervation to the posterior (extensor) muscles of the forearm. After branching off from the radial nerve, the posterior interosseous nerve passes through the radial tunnel and under the Arcade of Frohse, where it continues its course to innervate the extensor muscles.

Clinical significance

The Arcade of Frohse is clinically significant as it is a common site for compression of the posterior interosseous nerve, a condition known as radial tunnel syndrome. This can result in pain and weakness in the forearm and hand, particularly with supination or extension of the wrist and fingers. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination and confirmed with electromyography.

Treatment for radial tunnel syndrome typically involves conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In severe cases or when conservative treatment fails, surgical decompression of the nerve may be necessary.

See also

• Radial nerve
• Supinator muscle
• Radial tunnel syndrome