Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach
Published on: May 23, 2025
[The first Belgian hand transplantation case. Nine years follow-up]
F Schuind1, C Van Holder, D Mouraux
1Service d'Orthopédie-Traumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles, Hôpital Erasme, Bruxelles. frederic.schuind@erasme.ulb.ac.be
Abstract:
The authors report the clinical result at 9 years followup of a unilateral hand transplantation performed on the dominant side after traumatic forearm amputation. The patient is back to work and sporting activities. The allograft has been fully incorporated into his self-image. The satisfaction index is 10/10, the DASH 5/100, and the 400-points score 68.1 %. The Lanzetta HTSS score is 91 (excellent). Good function of extrinsic and intrinsic muscles is observed. The grasping strength is markedly decreased (7.4 % as compared to the normal non-dominant side). The patient has experienced several rejection episodes, controlled by the immunosuppressant drugs.
