Upper extremity composite tissue allotransplantation imaging

Area of Science:

• Composite tissue allotransplantation
• Medical imaging
• Orthopedic surgery

Background:

• Upper extremity (UE) transplantation is the most common composite tissue allotransplantation.
• Current pre- and post-transplant evaluation lacks standardized imaging protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight imaging protocols and findings for UE allotransplantation.
• To standardize imaging for clinical trials in UE transplantation.

Main Methods:

• Multimodality imaging including radiography, CT, MR, angiography, and ultrasonography.
• Dynamic CT and MR for motor activity assessment.
• Evaluation of image quality for vessels and bones.

Main Results:

• Preoperative imaging revealed skeletal deformities and vascular variations.
• Posttransplant imaging confirmed bony union and vascular anastomoses patency.
• Dynamic imaging showed functional joint range of motion at 8 months.

Conclusions:

• Advanced imaging is vital for surgical planning and monitoring transplant success.
• Standardized protocols are needed for comprehensive assessment in clinical trials.