Hand and upper extremity transplantation (HUET) has emerged as the most frequently performed reconstructive procedure in the burgeoning field of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). VCA refers to a form of transplant with multiple tissue types that represents a viable treatment option for devastating injuries where conventional reconstruction would be unable to restore form and function. As hand transplantation becomes increasingly more common, discussions on advantages and disadvantages of the procedure seem to intensify. Despite encouraging functional outcomes, current immunosuppressive regimens with their deleterious side-effect profile remain a major concern for a life-changing but not life-saving type of transplant. In addition, a growing number of recipients with progressively longer follow-up prompt the need to investigate potential long-term sequelae, such as chronic rejection. This review will discuss the current state of HUET, summarizing outcome data on graft survival, motor and sensory function, as well as immunosuppressive treatment. The implications of these findings for VCA in terms of achievements and challenges ahead will then be discussed.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10856-017-5880-0 | DOI Listing |
J Hand Ther
January 2025
Research Service, James Haley VA, Tampa, FL, USA.
Background: The Activities Measure for Upper Limb Amputation (AM-ULA), an activity measure for prosthesis users, uses a complex grading rubric to assign a single score to task performance which may limit responsiveness.
Purpose: To enhance AM-ULA responsiveness by exploring a scoring that uses multiple grading elements.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
J Hand Ther
January 2025
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
Background: Usually, patients with hand, wrist/forearm disorders report musculoskeletal complaints in the shoulder. Although, role of scapula is fundamental for movement and functional stability across the upper limb kinetic chain; however, there are no systematic reviews and meta-analyses that have analyzed the effect of scapular exercises in these patients.
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a scapular exercise program on functional outcomes in patients with hand, wrist or elbow disorders.
J Hand Surg Am
January 2025
From Rehabilitation Research and Development, Palo Alto Veterans Administration Medical Center and the Schools of Medicine and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
A biologically safe, noninvasive method for visualizing bone and soft tissue relationships has been developed recently. Termed the ultrasonic transmission imaging system, its advantages include visualization of soft tissues in real time while motion is underway. The image can be correlated to standard x-ray films, but since no ionizing radiation is involved, repeated risk-free visualization of extremities for either diagnostic assessment or biomechanical studies is permitted.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMJ Open
January 2025
Bio Heart Cardiovascular Diseases Research Group, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
Introduction: Chronic hand ischaemia may affect some haemodialysis patients with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or graft (AVG), a condition known as haemodialysis access-induced distal ischaemia (HAIDI). Duplex ultrasonography (DUS) can provide comprehensive insights into anatomical and perfusion properties, and measuring the hand acceleration time (HAT) has been demonstrated to be sensitive within the framework of chronic upper limb ischaemia.
Methods And Analysis: This single-centre, prospective cohort study will involve adult end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients requiring either AVF or AVG for haemodialysis.
J Reconstr Microsurg
December 2024
Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Background: High-level median or ulnar nerve injuries and repairs typically result in suboptimal re-innervation of distal muscles. Functioning Free Muscle Transplantation (FFMT) is increasingly recognized as an effective method to restore function in chronic muscle denervation cases. This study investigates the efficacy of using an additional FFMT, neurotized by lateral sprouting axons from a repaired high-level mixed nerve in the upper limb, to enhance distal hand function.
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