Ultrasound-Guided Hydro Dissection: A Novel Treatment Approach for Intersection Syndrome

Background: Wrist pain is prevalent. Activities such as dexterous sports, prolonged use of personal handheld devices, and extensive desktop keyboard usage are common contributors to wrist pain. Intersection syndrome, a form of inflammatory tenosynovitis, occurs at the intersection of the first and second dorsal compartments of the wrist. The first dorsal compartment is comprised of the tendons of abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis, while the second dorsal compartment contains the tendons of extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis. Intersection syndrome is diagnosed by pain localized to the dorsoradial forearm, approximately five cm proximal to the wrist joint, which worsens with resisted wrist and thumb extension. To date, the use of hydro dissection with 5% dextrose under ultrasound guidance as a treatment for Intersection syndrome has not been reported. This case report presents the first report on ultrasound-guided hydro dissection as a therapeutic approach for intersection syndrome. Methods: A case report, with informed consent, involving a 32-year-old male athlete. The patient, a hurling player, presented with chronic right wrist pain diagnosed as intersection syndrome. The condition significantly affected his work, sporting activities, and daily living activities. Previous conservative management and physiotherapy had failed to alleviate his symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, relevant imaging was performed, supplemented by dynamic ultrasound assessment. The procedure was performed aseptically. Continuous ultrasound guidance was employed to ensure accurate needle placement. Once the needle tip position was confirmed, an initial injection of 5 mL of 0.25% chirocaine was administered. 10 mL of 5% dextrose was injected under ultrasound guidance for hydro dissection, with good visualization of the solution’s distribution. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided hydro dissection has not previously been documented as a treatment option for intersection syndrome. In this case, it proved to be an effective pain-relieving therapy with sustained effect at three-month clinical follow-up. Further studies are required.