Intersection Syndrome

Updated: July 17, 2024

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Background

Intersection Syndrome is causes due to inflammation and irritation to forearm tendons region and the two intersection points are known as extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus which present in tendons.  

The pain and swelling both are observed around 4 to 8 cm above the wrist position. 

Epidemiology

It is syndrome which prevalent in individuals involved in continuous wrist and forearm movements. The risk factors due to this occurs include rowing, weightlifting and sports activity. 

Anatomy

Pathophysiology

If individual is does overuse of tendons in activities like sports and rowing can cause damages to tendons and increased friction and compression during continuous activities causes irritation and inflammation. 

The microscopic finding damages to initiates inflammatory response in tissue repair. 

Etiology

The overuse of tendons increases the risk of injury and the faster growth in activity which intensity them without proper conditioning.  

The use of improper techniques strain forearm tendons which causes irritation and inflammation. 

Genetics

Prognostic Factors

The prognosis of this chronic diseases in mild cases with early intervention and conservative management may recover faster.  

The duration of symptom influences prognosis and proper attention needed in treatment plan as it affects overall prognosis. 

Clinical History

Intersection Syndrome can affect individuals of all age groups and it is more commonly seen in adults.  

 

Physical Examination

Palpation 

Neurovascular Examination 

Strength Testing 

Age group

Associated comorbidity

  • The primary cause of Intersection Syndrome is overuse and repetitive strain on the forearm tendons. Activities such as sports, weightlifting, or occupational tasks that involve repetitive gripping and twisting motions are common culprits. 
  • Certain occupations that require repetitive hand and wrist movements may contribute to the development of Intersection Syndrome. 
  • Athletes engaged in specific sports, including rowing, weightlifting, and racquet sports, may be more prone to Intersection Syndrome due to the repetitive nature of their activities. 
  • Poor biomechanics or improper technique during activities can increase the risk of developing Intersection Syndrome. This includes factors such as wrist positioning during repetitive motions. 

Associated activity

Acuity of presentation

Acute onset of repetitive wrist movements gives rapid increase in intensity or frequency of repetitive wrist and forearm movements. 

The excessive strain on tendons may cause immediate symptoms like pain and swelling.  

Initially the mild discomfort starts in weeks or sometime in months which may leads to more noticeable symptoms. 

 

Differential Diagnoses

Lateral Epicondylitis 

Radial and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome   

Rheumatoid Arthritis 

 

Laboratory Studies

Imaging Studies

Procedures

Histologic Findings

Staging

Treatment Paradigm

The initial focus is to reduce or eliminate the activities that contribute to overuse and irritation of the tendons.   

After consulting with physiotherapist one program for exercise should plan to strengthen and stretch the affected muscles and tendons.   

Start using of wrist braces as suggested by physician to immobilize the wrist and reduce strain on the affected tendons. 

by Stage

by Modality

Chemotherapy

Radiation Therapy

Surgical Interventions

Hormone Therapy

Immunotherapy

Hyperthermia

Photodynamic Therapy

Stem Cell Transplant

Targeted Therapy

Palliative Care

use-of-non-pharmacological-approach-for-intersection-syndrome

For individuals with desk-based jobs they should make ergonomic adjustments such as using a chair with proper lumbar support.  

Strictly take regular breaks during activities or work. This gives rest and stretching. On Specific duration in day perform wrist and forearm stretches.  

Use of NSAID’S

Diclofenac inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes which are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins.   

use-of-intervention-with-a-procedure-in-treating-intersection-syndrome

Corticosteroid injections may be considered when there is persistent inflammation and pain associated with this syndrome.  

It is administered in injections form and triamcinolone as a synthetic corticosteroid is widely use.  

use-of-phases-in-managing-for-intersection-syndrome

In acute phase use compression, such as a bandage or brace, to reduce swelling. In subacute Phase the gradual reintroduction of activities which promote healing. 

In maintenance and prevention phase individuals should continue exercises at home to maintain strength and flexibility. 

 

Medication

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Intersection Syndrome

Updated : July 17, 2024

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Intersection Syndrome is causes due to inflammation and irritation to forearm tendons region and the two intersection points are known as extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus which present in tendons.  

The pain and swelling both are observed around 4 to 8 cm above the wrist position. 

It is syndrome which prevalent in individuals involved in continuous wrist and forearm movements. The risk factors due to this occurs include rowing, weightlifting and sports activity. 

If individual is does overuse of tendons in activities like sports and rowing can cause damages to tendons and increased friction and compression during continuous activities causes irritation and inflammation. 

The microscopic finding damages to initiates inflammatory response in tissue repair. 

The overuse of tendons increases the risk of injury and the faster growth in activity which intensity them without proper conditioning.  

The use of improper techniques strain forearm tendons which causes irritation and inflammation. 

The prognosis of this chronic diseases in mild cases with early intervention and conservative management may recover faster.  

The duration of symptom influences prognosis and proper attention needed in treatment plan as it affects overall prognosis. 

Intersection Syndrome can affect individuals of all age groups and it is more commonly seen in adults.  

 

Palpation 

Neurovascular Examination 

Strength Testing 

  • The primary cause of Intersection Syndrome is overuse and repetitive strain on the forearm tendons. Activities such as sports, weightlifting, or occupational tasks that involve repetitive gripping and twisting motions are common culprits. 
  • Certain occupations that require repetitive hand and wrist movements may contribute to the development of Intersection Syndrome. 
  • Athletes engaged in specific sports, including rowing, weightlifting, and racquet sports, may be more prone to Intersection Syndrome due to the repetitive nature of their activities. 
  • Poor biomechanics or improper technique during activities can increase the risk of developing Intersection Syndrome. This includes factors such as wrist positioning during repetitive motions. 

Acute onset of repetitive wrist movements gives rapid increase in intensity or frequency of repetitive wrist and forearm movements. 

The excessive strain on tendons may cause immediate symptoms like pain and swelling.  

Initially the mild discomfort starts in weeks or sometime in months which may leads to more noticeable symptoms. 

 

Lateral Epicondylitis 

Radial and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome   

Rheumatoid Arthritis 

 

The initial focus is to reduce or eliminate the activities that contribute to overuse and irritation of the tendons.   

After consulting with physiotherapist one program for exercise should plan to strengthen and stretch the affected muscles and tendons.   

Start using of wrist braces as suggested by physician to immobilize the wrist and reduce strain on the affected tendons. 

Rheumatology

For individuals with desk-based jobs they should make ergonomic adjustments such as using a chair with proper lumbar support.  

Strictly take regular breaks during activities or work. This gives rest and stretching. On Specific duration in day perform wrist and forearm stretches.  

Rheumatology

Diclofenac inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes which are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins.   

Rheumatology

Corticosteroid injections may be considered when there is persistent inflammation and pain associated with this syndrome.  

It is administered in injections form and triamcinolone as a synthetic corticosteroid is widely use.  

Rheumatology

In acute phase use compression, such as a bandage or brace, to reduce swelling. In subacute Phase the gradual reintroduction of activities which promote healing. 

In maintenance and prevention phase individuals should continue exercises at home to maintain strength and flexibility. 

 

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