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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
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Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach
Published on: May 23, 2025
First Polish forearm transplantation: report after 17 months
J Jablecki1, L Kaczmarzyk, D Patrzałek
1Subdepartment of Limb Replantation, St Hedwig Hospital, Trzebnica, Poland. jerzy.jablecki@interia.pl
Transplantation Proceedings
|March 31, 2009
Summary
This study reports the successful first Polish midforearm hand transplant in a 32-year-old man. After 17 months, the patient achieved significant functional recovery and sensation, demonstrating the viability of this procedure.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Transplantation Medicine
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Increasing success rates drive growth in hand transplantations.
- Midforearm/elbow level transplantations remain less common.
- This study evaluates the first Polish midforearm upper limb transplant after 17 months.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old male recipient received a right forearm transplant 14 years after losing his dominant limb.
- The procedure involved a 10.5-hour cold ischemia time with a matched donor limb.
- Postoperative care included immunosuppression and intensive physiotherapy.
Findings:
- No intraoperative or early postoperative complications, aside from delayed wound healing.
- No rejection episodes observed; immunosuppression well-tolerated.
- Sensory recovery (ulnar and median nerves) and 63% active range of motion achieved by 17 months.
- Excellent cosmetic match and functional use for daily activities (writing, cycling, phone use).
Implications:
- Demonstrates the feasibility and positive outcomes of midforearm level upper limb transplantation.
- Highlights the potential for significant functional and sensory restoration in complex limb reconstruction.
- Provides valuable data for the advancement of transplantation surgery in Poland and globally.
