> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.theplasticsfella.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Quadriga Phenomenon - URL: https://www.theplasticsfella.com/quadriga-phenomenon/ - Published: 2022-03-03T21:11:21.000Z - Updated: 2022-03-04T09:50:03.000Z - Description: The quadriga phenomenon is a clinical diagnosis characterized by reduced flexion of non-injured fingers most commonly due to an injured FDP. This article explores the pathophysiology, causes and treatment options. - Author: PlasticsFella - Tags: Upper Limb **In this Article** 1\. [Definition of Quadriga ](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/quadriga-phenomenon/#definition-of-quadriga) 2\. [Pathophysiology and History ](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/quadriga-phenomenon/#pathophysiology-of-quadriga) 3\. [Causes of quadriga ](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/quadriga-phenomenon/#causes-of-quadriga) 4\. [Treatment of quadriga](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/quadriga-phenomenon/#treatment-of-quadriga) 5\. [Flashcards](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/quadriga-phenomenon/#flashcards) 5\. [References](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/quadriga-phenomenon/#references) --- ## Definition of Quadriga Quadriga phenomenon or syndrome is reduced flexion in non-injured fingers caused by a shortened, stiff, or adherent FDP in an adjacent injured finger. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/1-3.png) Clinical Diagnosis of Quadriga Syndrome It results in an *active flexion lag* and "weak grip" that can be diagnosed clinically. It was first described by Bunnell3 and later by Verdan2 after a series of terminalisations and [flexor tendon repairs](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/flexor-tendon-injury-repair/). --- ## Pathophysiology of Quadriga *Quadriga* refers to the 4-horse Roman chariots controlled by 1 driver through 1 common rein. If that rein becomes shortened to one horse then the other horses will experience a tethering effect. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/2-2.png) Pathophysiology of Quadriga Syndrome *Quadriga Phenomenon* is based on the principle that excursion of the combined tendons is equal to the shortest tendon. It occurs because: 1. The **injured** FDP tendon becomes shortened, stiff, or adherent. 2. **Non-injured** adjacent FDP tendons are tethered (they share a common origin) and have a reduced excursion. 3. **Non-injured** FDP tendons cannot fully flex their respective digits. 4. The **injured** finger develops a flexion deformity. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/03/Quadriga-Phenomenon-3.png) Anatomy of Quadriga Syndrome The quadriga phenomenon is frequently attributed to the common muscle belly of the FDP. However other factors, such as the interconnections between the FDP tendons, maybe even more important1. --- ## Causes of Quadriga It is important to be aware that there is most than 1 cause. However, by far the most common cause is related to FDP pathology. Causes of Quadriga Syndrome or Phenomenon are: 1. FDP tendon is advanced too far distally in a [repair](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/flexor-tendon-injury-repair/) procedure in [zone 1](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/flexor-tendon-injury-repair/). 2. Tendon graft that is too short 3. A distal finger amputation in which the flexor is sutured over the tip to the extensor tendon. 4. Amputation in which the FDP tendon adheres or has been [repaired](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/flexor-tendon-injury-repair/) to to the proximal phalanx. 💡 **Clinical Tip:** Quadriga and Lumbrical Plus Finger are similar but quite different. In quadriga, the FDP is **overtightened** or scarred resulting in a **weak grip**. Whilst lumbrical plus finger occurs from a **lax** FDP tendon and increase tension in the lumbricals causing a finger **stick out** when attempting to hold an object. --- ## Treatment of Quadriga Treatment is observation if patient is minimally symptomatic. Surgical options do exist. Surgical Options for Quadriga include: - release of FDP tendon of injured digit - tendon lengthening - tenolysis post-[flexor tendon repair](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/flexor-tendon-injury-repair/) - severing of the offending tendon to allow the other normal adjacent fingers to flex fully x --- ## Flashcards [Get more Flashcards](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/flashcards/) --- ## References 1. Schreuders, T. A. R. (2011). *The quadriga phenomenon: a review and clinical relevance. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), 37(6), 513–522.*doi:10.1177/1753193411430810 2. Verdan C: Syndrome of the quadriga. Surg Clin North Am 1960; 40: pp. 425-426 3. Bunnell S: Reconstructive surgery of the hand. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1924; 34: pp. 259-274