Posterior Interosseous Artery, Posterior View

Description

Running in the deep posterior compartment of the antebrachium, the posterior interosseous artery emerges from the common interosseous branch of the ulnar artery and passes dorsally through the proximal interosseous membrane. From this posterior perspective, it tracks distally along the posterior surface of the interosseous membrane between the radius and ulna, accompanied by venae comitantes and the posterior interosseous nerve. Extensor muscle bellies and tendons layer superficial to the vessel, with extensor digitorum, extensor carpi ulnaris, and extensor pollicis longus forming recognizable longitudinal columns toward the dorsum of the hand. Deep. Course anatomy matters here because the posterior interosseous artery sits in the same tight fascial and osseous corridor used during dorsal approaches to the radius and ulna and during exposure for extensor tendon repairs. Its relationship to the posterior interosseous nerve is a practical teaching point when discussing radial tunnel syndrome and iatrogenic nerve injury during proximal forearm surgery, where traction, retractors, or hematoma can compromise motor branches to the extensors. The distal anastomoses around the wrist also frame discussions of collateral flow when the radial or ulnar artery is harvested or injured. Use this illustration for upper limb dissection guides, vascular anatomy plates, and operative anatomy manuals that need a posterior map of the interosseous interval rather than the more commonly taught anterior view. It also fits well in radiology teaching files when correlating compartmental anatomy to CTA, MRA, or Doppler studies of forearm vascular trauma and postoperative monitoring. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.