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Indian Subcontinent's First Bilateral Supracondylar Level Upper Limb Transplantation
Mohit Sharma1, Subramania Iyer1, Kishore P1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Amrita Institute of Medical Science, Kochi, Kerala, India.
Summary
This study details the first supracondylar level arm transplant in the Indian subcontinent for a bilateral below-elbow amputee. The procedure, involving unique donor and recipient preparations, was a technical success, enabling patient rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Transplant Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- First supracondylar level arm transplant reported from the Indian subcontinent.
- Patient presented with bilateral below-elbow amputation due to severe crush injury.
- Shorter ischemia time window presents unique challenges for transplant teams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the technical considerations of a supracondylar level arm transplant.
- To highlight the unique challenges and solutions in a complex bilateral arm transplant case.
- To document the initial technical success of this novel procedure.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 19-year-old female bilateral below-elbow amputee.
- Supracondylar level transplant necessitated by insufficient bone length.
- Unique approach utilizing recipient's own muscles with donor elbow joint.
Main Results:
- The supracondylar level arm transplant was a complete technical success.
- Patient rehabilitation to an independent lifestyle was achieved.
- Detailed description of technical considerations and challenges encountered.
Conclusions:
- Supracondylar level arm transplantation demands meticulous preoperative planning and coordinated team effort.
- This procedure can be life-changing for carefully selected patients.
- Technical success is achievable with precise attention to detail.
