“Ice Axe Wrist”: A Case Report of Intersection Syndrome in 2 Climbers

Intersection syndrome is an inflammatory condition located at the crossing point between the first and second dorsal compartments in the wrist. It is an uncommon presentation but has been recognized as an injury typical of rowers (when it is named oarsman's wrist) and other sports such as racquet sports, baseball, cycling, hockey, golf, ice hockey, skiing, and softball. It has not been previously described in climbers. This report details 2 cases of intersection associated with the use of an ice axe. The first presentation was in a female climber who was using an ice axe for climbing in the Nepal Himalayas and the second was in a male climber using an ice axe for winter climbing training in the Alps. Both climbers presented with wrist pain, swelling, and crepitus over the dorsum of the wrist, about 5 cm proximal to Lister's tubercle. Although well documented in other sporting populations, there seems to be limited reporting of intersection syndrome in the climbing population. It may be worth considering a diagnosis of “ice axe wrist” as a differential in patients who have been using ice axes in climbing or mountaineering.