Indian Transplant Newsletter Vol. II Issue NO.: 5 (February 2000)
Print ISSN 0972 - 1568

Hand Transplants

Indian Transplant Newsletter.
Vol. II Issue NO.: 5 (February 2000)
Print ISSN 0972 - 1568
Print PDF


Hands On! More on the first modern Hand transplant

The world’s first modern hand transplant was performed on sept.23,1998, in France (Transplantation Journal Watch, Vol l  Issue I). It is now more than a year since the transplant and according to an article that appeared in New York Times, the new transplanted right hand of recipient Clint Hallam of Australia has increasingly gained function.

 

Author Lawrence K. Altman reported that substantial nerve regeneration has occurred and that more is expected; the hand has developed about  25% of normal grip strength and has good pinch grip between the index finger and thumb; sensation reached the fingertips eight months after te operation and continues to improve: and the hand has settled into a normal position. Te newspaper also reported that the team that transplanted the hand, led by Dr. Earl Owen of Sydney, plans to carry out four more hand transplants.

On the outlook for prospective hand transplant recipients

The first, and so far only, hand transplant in the USA was performed at Jewish Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky in January 1999 on Matthew Scott of Absecon, New Jersey. After a recent check up in   Louisville, doctors said that Mr. Scott continues to show no signs of rejecting the left hand but that Mr. Scott’s progress in using the hand “has reached a plateau”. In three to six months, physicians plan to revaluate the possibility of future surgery to loosen tendons to achieve better flexibility and range of motion. Mr. Scott uses the hand for activities including opening doors, driving a car, and playing with his sons.

 

In June, Mr. Scott began sensing heat and cold in his palm, and nerve growth had reached his wrist. After the January operation, Mr. Scott stayed in Louisville until April, and he has continued to receive hand therapy since returning to New Jersey.

 

After the success of Mr. Scott’s transplant, surgeons are looking to help others. People who would qualify as prospective recipients are those who have lost a hand or forearm as a result of trauma or medical interventions that caused permanent injury to hand or forearm. People with congenital anomalies or those who lost a limb as a result of cancer cannot be considered for a transplant.


To cite : Shroff S, Navin S. Hand Transplants. Indian Transplant Newsletter Vol. II Issue NO.: 5 (February 2000).
Available at:
https://www.itnnews.co.in/indian-transplant-newsletter/issue5/Hand-Transplant-140.htm

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