UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Orthopedics

Title: Intersection Syndrome

Keywords: Tenosynovitis, wrist pain (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/28/2019 by Brian Corwell, MD (Updated: 3/28/2024)
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Intersection Syndrome

 

De Quervain’s is a common tenosynovitis is involving the  the 1st dorsal compartment of the wrist/forearm.

Intersection syndrome is a tenosynovitis that occurs at the intersection of the 1st and 2nd dorsal compartments.

Pathology located at crossing point of the 1st compartment structures (APL and EBP) with the radial wrist extensors (ECRB and ECRL)

Occurs most commonly from repetitive wrist extension and is common in rowers, weight lifters, and in those playing racquet sports.

Occurs about 4 to 6cm proximal to the radiocarpal joint VERSUS De Quervain’s which occurs near the level of the radial styloid.

Pain worse with resisted wrist and thumb extension

Radiographs not required

Splint and start NSAIDs

Recalcitrant cases can be referred for corticosteroid injection

 

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