Radiology Coding Alert

Question: We performed an MRI for a patient with intersection syndrome of the wrist. Which diagnosis code should I report?

Michigan Subscriber

Answer: Your best option is 726.4 (Enthesopathy of wrist and carpus).

Here's why: One of many other terms for intersection syndrome is abductor pollicus longus bursitis, and ICD-9 includes wrist bursitis under 726.4.

Other terms you may see for this overuse syndrome include peritendinitis crepitans, crossover tendinitis, squeaker's wrist or oarsman's wrist. The condition typically develops where the wrist's first dorsal compartment muscles cross the second dorsal compartment muscles.