Rowers frequently experience intersection syndrome, caused by overload and repetitive friction at the junction where tendons cross over. This causes pain and tendon swelling. Current recommendations call for rowers to withdraw from training and tendon release surgery which results in muscle wasting, thus greatly impacting rowing outcomes.

While physiotherapy, NSAIDs, and narcotic analgesics can alleviate discomfort, the persistent symptoms can still cause training interruptions and may worsen injuries if the area is worked more.

Therefore, we recommend synovectomy to elite rowers with intersection syndrome as rowers have long-term symptom relief, and can expect an immediate return to on-water training in a week, without loss of technique.

Fig. 16 Intersection Syndrome development