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Intersection Syndrome, Sports Medicine

Jennifer Scott Koontz, MD, MPH, FAAFP, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Intersection syndrome is an inflammatory condition located in the distal radial forearm where the tendons of the 1st extensor compartment cross over the tendons of the 2nd compartmen...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Commonly misdiagnosed as de Quervain tenosynovitis

  • History of increase in activity that requires repetitive wrist flexion/extension

  • Athletes will report pain in the distal forearm or ra...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Initial treatment (for 2 to 3 wk) 4[C]: 
  • Rest

  • Ice

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

  • Thumb spica splint in 15 to 20 degrees of extension

ADDITIONAL THERAPIES

  • All treatme...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • If no improvement after adequate course of conservative therapy, surgical referral is warranted.

  • Surgery may be needed if fibrosis of the tendon sheath has occurre...

REFERENCES

1
Adams JE, Habbu R. Tendinopathies of the hand and wrist. J Am Acad Orthop Surg.  2015;23(12):741–750.
2
De Maeseneer M, Marcelis S, Jager T, et al. Spectrum of normal and pathologic fin...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Grundberg AB, Reagan DS. Pathologic anatomy of the forearm: intersection syndrome. J Hand Surg Am.  1985;10(2):299–302.

  • Rettig AC. Wrist and hand overuse syndromes. Clin Sports ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Intersection syndrome is an overuse syndrome.

  • Pain is located 4 to 8 cm proximal to radial styloid.

  • Athletes will often report a squeaking sensation in their wrist.

  • Be able to consider bo...

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