The intersection syndrome: Ultrasound findings and their diagnostic value

The intersection syndrome is a well-known overuse syndrome of the distal forearm. It is characterized by noninfectious, inflammatory changes involving the area of intersection of the first (abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis) and second (extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis) extensor compartments in the dorsoradial aspect of the distal forearm. Imaging modalities used to diagnosis this syndrome include ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose of this report is to describe typical US findings in the intersection syndrome and to demonstrate the diagnostic value of this approach.

We reviewed US findings in 4 patients (mean age 40 years) referred to our staff for symptoms suggestive of the intersection syndrome (pain, swelling, erythema, and edema of the wrist).

In all 4 cases, the US examination revealed peritendinous edema and synovial fluid within the tendon sheaths at the intersection between the first and the second dorsal extensor tendon compartments.

Our experience shows that the intersection syndrome is associated with typical signs on US. This imaging modality can be considered a reliable tool for diagnosing this syndrome and may eliminate the need for other more expensive tests.