Bilateral hand transplantation: Functional benefits assessment in five patients with a mean follow-up of 7.6 years (range 4-13 years) (original) (raw)

2015, Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

five adults who had suffered bilateral traumatic below-30 elbow amputations, received bilateral hand-forearm allografts realized by the Lyon team. We 31 report the functional benefits achieved over a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years (range 4-13 32 years), up to December 31 st , 2013. Clinical measurement is hampered by the lack of specific 33 validated assessment tools, obliging us to use non-specific standardized evaluation means. Our 34 assessment shows that the restoration of motion, strength, and sensibility are fair. Functional 35 results (Carroll upper extremity function test, 400-point test, Activities of daily living) are good, 36 as well as quality of life evaluation (RAND-36). Subjective and overall results explored with 37 questionnaires -Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Hand Transplantation Score 38