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Updated: Oct 28 2024

Quadriga Effect

Images
https://upload.orthobullets.com/topic/6016/images/quadrigia 2.jpg
https://upload.orthobullets.com/topic/6016/images/quadrigia 3.jpg
  • Summary
    • Quadriga Effect is characterized by an active flexion lag in fingers adjacent to a digit with a previously injured or repaired flexor digitorum profundus tendon.
    • Diagnosis is made clinically with the inability to fully flex the fingers of the hand adjacent to the injured finger.
    • Treatment is observation if patient is minimally symptomatic but may involve release of FDP tendon of injured digit if symptoms impact patient's activity demands. 
  • Etiology
    • Mechanism
      • most commonly caused by a functional shortening of the FDP tendon due to
        • over-advancement of the FDP during tendon repair
          • >1 cm advancement associated with quadriga
        • adhesions
        • retraction of the tendon
        • "over-the-top" FDP repair of the distal phalanx after amputation
    • Pathoanatomy
      • FDP tendons of long, ring, and little fingers share a common muscle belly
        • therefore excursion of the combined tendons is equal to the shortest tendon
          • improper shortening of a tendon during repair results in inability to fully flex adjacent fingers
  • Anatomy
    • Flexor digitorum profundus
    • Zones of the flexor tendons
      • most injuries resulting in quadrigia involve Zone I
  • Presentation
    • Symptoms
      • inability to fully flex the fingers of the hand adjacent to the injured finger
      • patient may complain of "weak grip"
    • Physical exam
      • upon making a fist the fingers adjacent to the injured digit will not reach full flexion
      • grip strength decreased
  • Imaging
    • Radiographs
      • usually not required
  • Treatment
    • Nonoperative
      • observation
        • indications
          • mild symptoms not affecting quality of life
    • Operative
      • release FDP of injured digit
        • indications
          • severe symptoms limiting function
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