Intersection Syndrome
What is it: Intersection syndrome is an overuse pain syndrome caused by friction at the site where the first and second dorsal compartment of the wrist overlap in the forearm. The first compartment contains the tendons of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis. The second compartment contains the tendons of the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis.
How does it present: The patient will usually present with pain in the forearm. The location of the intersection of the compartments is typically two to three centimeters above the wrist joint.
Common exam findings: On exam, the patient may have tenderness or swelling over the region of the intersection and may have pain with wrist range of motion.
Tests and treatment: The diagnosis is primarily clinical. An x-ray may assist in evaluating for bony pathology if indicated by exam. Treatment is usually avoidance of the aggravating wrist overuse activity, splinting and resting.