Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:11
Vascularized Composite Upper Limb Allograft Harvesting for Proximal Arm Allotransplantation
Published on: June 13, 2025
[Crossover extremity transfers. Limb salvage in amputations with segmental defects]
D Druecke1, H H Homann, F Kutscha-Lissberg
1Universitätsklinik für Plastische Chirurgie und Schwerbrandverletzte,Handchirurgiezentrum, Operatives Referenzzentrum für Gliedmassentumoren, BG-Kliniken "Bergmannsheil", Ruhr-Universität, Bochum, Deutschland. D.Druecke@lubinus-clinicum.de
Summary
Crossover extremity transfer is a rare but viable limb salvage technique for severe bilateral amputations. This case demonstrates successful cross-hand replantation and modified rotationplasty for stump lengthening.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Severe extremity trauma often necessitates complex limb salvage strategies.
- Bilateral amputations with extensive segmental injury present unique reconstructive challenges.
- Traditional replantation may be impossible due to compromised tissue.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old male sustained segmental amputation of the left forearm and lower leg, and a mangled right hand injury.
- The patient's injuries resulted from a severe train accident.
- Standard replantation was not feasible for all affected limbs.
Findings:
- Limb salvage was achieved through innovative surgical interventions.
- Cross-hand replantation was performed for the right hand.
- A modified rotationplasty of the left foot served as a stump lengthening procedure for the left lower leg.
Implications:
- Ectopic implantation offers an alternative concept for two-stage limb salvage in complex cases.
- Harvesting uninvolved tissue is crucial for stump lengthening and soft-tissue reconstruction when direct replantation fails.
- This case highlights the potential of advanced reconstructive techniques in managing devastating extremity trauma.
