Transplantation

Transplantation

  

• Dubernard
  J-M, Owen E, Herzberg G, et al [ Hopital Edouard
  Herriot, Lyon, France; Microsearch Found of
  Australia and Outer Sydney Hand and Micro-Surgery
  Unit; St Mary’s Hosp, London; et al]
  
  Human Hand Allograft Report on First 6 Months
  
  Lancet
  353: 1315-1320, 1999
  
  
   
  
  The
  results of transplantation of 
  the right forearm and hand of a brain-dead
  male donor to a male recipient who had a traumatic
  midforearm amputation are discussed.
  
   
  
  The
  technique has been described. There were no surgical
  complications. At 8 weeks there was a rejection
  episode which was treated successfully. Passive
  mobilization was started on day one and continued
  till week six. At 100 days, no stiffness was noted,
  but sensation was lacking. There was good callus
  formation at 3 months and advanced healing at 6
  months.  At
  80 days, the patient had some sensation.
  
    
  
  They
  conclude that hand transplants can be successfully
  done but sensation and functional analysis are not
  complete.