Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
10:36
Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach
Published on: May 23, 2025
Bilateral hand transplantation: six years after the first case
P Petruzzo1, L Badet, A Gazarian
1Department of Surgery, University of Cagliari, Italy. petruzzo@pacs.unica.it
Summary
Bilateral hand transplantation offers significant functional recovery and improved quality of life. Despite acute rejection episodes and complications, patients achieved substantial sensorimotor improvements and returned to normal social activities.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive surgery
- Transplantation immunology
Background:
- Bilateral hand transplantation is a complex procedure with limited reported cases.
- Standard immunosuppressive protocols for solid organ transplantation were adapted for hand allografts.
Observation:
- Two patients underwent bilateral hand transplantation between 2000 and 2003.
- Both recipients experienced acute rejection episodes, managed with increased oral steroids and topical immunosuppressants.
- Complications included hyperglycemia, serum sickness, arterial thrombosis, and osteomyelitis, all successfully treated.
Findings:
- Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) revealed a shift in cortical hand representation post-transplantation.
- Significant sensorimotor recovery, particularly in sensibility and intrinsic muscle function, was observed at 6 and 2 years post-transplant.
- Patients regained the ability to perform daily activities and lead normal social lives, with one recipient returning to work.
Implications:
- Bilateral hand transplantation can restore significant function and improve quality of life for recipients.
- Careful monitoring and management of immunosuppression and potential complications are crucial for successful outcomes.
- The study highlights the potential for neuroplasticity and functional adaptation following hand allotransplantation.
