Hand disorders: intersection syndrome: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Orthopaedics · Hand disorders: intersection syndrome

Sample item

A rower has pain, swelling and crepitus on the dorsoradial forearm about 5 cm proximal to the wrist, where tendons cross. Finkelstein test is negative. What is the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Intersection syndrome

Intersection syndrome is inflammation where the first dorsal compartment tendons, abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis, cross over the wrist extensors about 4 to 8 cm proximal to the wrist. It causes proximal pain and crepitus with repetitive wrist motion, as in rowing. De Quervain disease causes pain at the radial styloid with a positive Finkelstein test.

Option by option

  • A. Intersection syndrome (correct)

    Correct. Proximal dorsoradial crepitus with a negative Finkelstein test indicates intersection syndrome.

  • B. De Quervain tenosynovitis

    De Quervain disease localises to the radial styloid with a positive Finkelstein test.

  • C. Kienbock disease

    Kienbock disease causes central dorsal wrist pain.

  • D. Scaphoid fracture

    A scaphoid fracture causes snuffbox tenderness after a fall.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Intersection syndrome. Intersection syndrome is inflammation where the first dorsal compartment tendons, abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis, cross over the wrist extensors about 4 to 8 cm proximal to the wrist.

Why is "De Quervain tenosynovitis" not the answer?

De Quervain disease localises to the radial styloid with a positive Finkelstein test.

Why is "Kienbock disease" not the answer?

Kienbock disease causes central dorsal wrist pain.

Why is "Scaphoid fracture" not the answer?

A scaphoid fracture causes snuffbox tenderness after a fall.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hand disorders: intersection syndrome in Orthopaedics. It causes proximal pain and crepitus with repetitive wrist motion, as in rowing. De Quervain disease causes pain at the radial styloid with a positive Finkelstein test.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Hand disorders: intersection syndrome?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.