Hand transplant
About this test
Hand transplant is a treatment option for people who have had one or both hands amputated. In a hand transplant, you receive one or two donor hands and a portion of the forearms from a person who has died. Hand transplants are performed in a small number of transplant centers worldwide.
Why it's done
A hand transplant is performed in selected cases in an attempt to improve quality of life and give you some function and feeling in your new hands. When matching you with a donor hand for a hand transplant, surgeons consider: Blood type Tissue type Skin color Ages of donor and recipient The sex of the donor and recipient Hand size Muscle bulk
Understanding your results
Because hand transplants are a relatively new procedure, it's difficult to predict what the results of your procedure will be. Following your post-transplant care plan carefully can increase your chance of regaining as much function as possible. Although there's no guarantee on how much hand function you'll gain, hand transplant recipients have been able to: Pick up small objects, such as nuts and bolts Lift heavier objects with one hand, such as a full milk jug Use a wrench and other tools Take change into an outstretched palm Use a knife and fork Tie shoes Catch a ball
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