Proximal Bilateral Arm Transplantation with Left Shoulder Reconstruction: Outcomes at 24 Months

Arm transplantation has been proposed as a valid therapeutic option for arm amputees. A bilateral arm transplantation including reconstruction of the left shoulder was performed on January 13, 2021 in Lyon (France).

The recipient was a 48-year-old man with bilateral amputation at proximal arm level on both sides following an electric shock in 1998. He had received a liver transplant in 2002. The donor was a 35-year-old man. On the right side, the donor humerus was fixed on the remaining 9-cm-long proximal stump, and was reinforced with the donor fibula in an intramedullary fashion. On the left side, the whole donor humerus (including the humeral head) was transplanted with reconstruction of the gleno-humeral joint, including a suspension ligamentoplasty. The immunosuppressive protocol was based on antithymocyte globulins as induction therapy, and tacrolimus, steroids and mycophenolate mofetil as maintenance therapy.

Good bone healing and a well-positioned ligamentoplasty on the left side were achieved. At 2 years, the recipient was able to flex both elbows, and wrist extension, finger flexion, and extension were appreciated on both sides. Intrinsic muscle activity was detectable by electromyography during the eighth posttransplant month, and sensitivity was recovered. The patient is satisfied with his autonomy in some daily activities, but his greatest satisfaction is the recovery of his body image.

These results confirm that it is possible to propose this transplantation to proximal-level arm amputees. The patients' information about risks and limits as well as their compliance and determination remain important prerequisites.