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Double hand transplantation: functional outcome after 18 months
H Piza-Katzer1, M Ninkovic, S Pechlaner
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Ludwig-Boltzmann Institute of Quality Control in Plastic Surgery, Innsbruck University Hospital, Austria. hildegunde.piza@uibk.ac.at
Journal of Hand Surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|August 7, 2002
Summary
Double hand transplantation restored complex functions and tactile sensation in a patient 6 years after traumatic amputations. This surgical success demonstrates significant functional recovery potential following limb reimplantation.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive surgery
- Transplantation medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Traumatic hand amputations present significant challenges to patient quality of life.
- Restoring hand function requires complex surgical and rehabilitative approaches.
Observation:
- A patient with a 6-year history of bilateral traumatic hand amputations underwent successful double hand transplantation in March 2000.
- Post-operative assessment 18 months after transplantation was conducted.
Findings:
- The double hand transplantations were surgically successful.
- The patient regained significant complex hand functions.
- Remarkable tactile gnosis (sense of touch) was observed.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for successful functional restoration after prolonged periods post-amputation.
- Advanced reconstructive techniques can yield substantial improvements in quality of life for amputees.
- Further research into long-term outcomes and neuro-regeneration is warranted.