A new option for amputees: transplantation of the hand

The permanent loss of a hand or limb results in significant challenges. A number of options are available to individuals who must deal with this loss, including reconstructive surgery using a person's own tissue to repair the damage or the use of prosthetic devices. We present an update on the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of rehabilitation research and development 2009-01, Vol.46 (3), p.395-404
Main Authors: Kaufman, Christina L, Blair, Brenda, Murphy, Erin, Breidenbach, Warren B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Amputation
Amputees
Care and treatment
Hand Transplantation
Health aspects
Humans
Immune system
Infections
Male
Methods
Middle Aged
Patients
Quality of life
Surgery, Plastic
Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc
Transplants & implants
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Summary:The permanent loss of a hand or limb results in significant challenges. A number of options are available to individuals who must deal with this loss, including reconstructive surgery using a person's own tissue to repair the damage or the use of prosthetic devices. We present an update on the most recent addition to the list of options, namely, composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA). In this procedure, tissue to repair the loss is taken from deceased donors who are giving hearts, kidneys, and tissue for transplantation. We report on the world's longest follow-up of CTA of the hand, as well as four other American hand transplant recipients. In very select patient populations, we propose that transplantation is now a clinical option for amputees.
ISSN:0748-7711
1938-1352
DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2008.08.0108