Vascularized composite allotransplantation - a Council of Europe position paper.

After more than 120 hand-upper extremity and 37 face transplant procedures performed worldwide, vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) now falls under the scope of organ transplant legislation in Europe and the United States. While in the USA, VCA has been considered as standard care since 2014, VCA in Europe is still performed through clinical research trials, except in United Kingdom. However, after two decades of favourable experience with upper extremity transplantation (UET), professionals in Europe are proposing hand allotransplantation as "controlled standard" care, as opposed to face transplantation (FT), which is still a challenging activity. The European Committee on Organ Transplantation (CD-P-TO) has elaborated a position paper to provide recommendations concerning regulatory aspects for UET and FT. It is aimed at Health Authorities in charge of the oversight - and coordination - of organ donation and transplantation, and at professional groups to help them manage such complex and costly programs dedicated to properly selected patients.

Immune activation- and regulation-related patterns in stable hand transplant recipients.

We assessed cell subsets and expression of a set of genes related to the T-cell populations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells to elucidate whether immune status of stable hand transplant recipients (HTx) differs from stable kidney transplant recipients (KTx). The study was conducted on five HTx 4.8 ± 1.7 years after transplantation and 30 stable KTx 7.9 ± 2.4 years after transplantation as well as 18 healthy volunteers. The research involved PBMC gene expression analysis of CD4, CD8, CTLA4, GZMB, FOXP3, IL10, IL4, ILR2A, NOTCH, PDCD1, PRF1, TGF-B, and TNF-A genes on a custom-designed low-density array (TaqMan) as well as flow cytometry assessment of lymphocyte subpopulations. HTx presented significantly increased expression of immunomodulatory genes (TNF, IL10, GITR, and PDCD1) compared to KTx and controls. HTx revealed a proinflammatory molecular pattern with higher expression of NOTCH and CD8 compared to KTx and controls. KTx showed a reduced level of regulatory T cells compared to controls and HTx. Both HTx and KTx presented an increased number of CD8+ and CD8+ CD28- T cells compared to controls. Stable hand transplant recipients exhibit persistent immune activation with rejection-related gene expression pattern counterbalanced by secondary induction of regulatory mechanisms.

New concept of scapholunate dissociation treatment and novel modification of Brunelli procedure - anatomical study.

BACKGROUNDS: This paper describes a novel method in treatment of scapholunate dissociation accompanied with rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid. The idea of this method is to create a kind of axial lever that can fully reconstruct anatomical relationship between the scaphoid and the lunate, with no involvement of extrinsic ligaments, and with simultaneous restriction of pathological alignment of the scaphoid. Based on this technique, we have also proposed a new modification of Brunelli procedure in scapholunate dissociation with rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid and dorsal intercalated segmental instability. METHODS: At the initial stage of the study, 20 human wrists fixed in Ethanol were used, followed by 12 fresh human wrists used in part two. The first stage included functional, biomechanical and strength tests carried out by means of a 5 kg load and intended to find the most anatomical and durable treatment method. The second stage involved testing the proposed methods on fresh cadaver wrists. RESULTS: We have discovered that the new method is able to recreate anatomical forces and properties of scapholunate ligament; what's more, it can also prevent rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid. The performed strength tests have proven that it is possible to treat scapholunate instability also in case of dorsal intercalated segmental instability. CONCLUSIONS: We highly recommend using both the new technique and the new modification of Brunelli procedure for treatment of scapholunate dissociation in both dynamic and static instabilities.

Standardizing skin biopsy sampling to assess rejection in vascularized composite allotransplantation.

Over 70 hands and 20 faces have been transplanted during the past 13 yr, which have shown good to excellent functional and esthetic outcomes. However, (skin) rejection episodes complicate the post-operative courses of hand and face transplant recipients and are still a major obstacle to overcome after reconstructive allotransplantation. This article summarizes all relevant information on the skin component and rejection of a vascularized composite allograft. As more and more centers plan to implement a vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) program, we further develop guidelines and recommendations on collection and processing of skin biopsies from hand and face allograft recipients. This will help to standardize post-operative monitoring, avoid pitfalls for those new in the field and facilitate comparison of data on VCA between centers.

[An example of multi-stage reconstruction of a full-thickness abdominal wall defect]. / Przyklad wieloetapowej rekonstrukcji pelnej grubosci ubytku sciany jamy brzusznej.

Abdominal wall reconstruction is a highly complex procedure that may requires a multiple stages surgical operations. The aim of a such reconstruction is to close the abdominal wall defect and to create a support for the internal organs. It's a challenge for both general and reconstructive surgery. An incomplete thickness defects of the abdominal wall are so much easier to challenge than complete ones. Also the size of the primary defect determines the way and stages of the operation. Such defects can occur in necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall, after abdominal walls tumors removal, in traffic accidents or after "open abdomen" procedures (acute severe pancreatitis). In this paper the authors present a case of 62-yo patient which was operated because of large intestine perforation with various complications of which the most serious was the abdominal wall defect.

Non-HLA Antibodies in Hand Transplant Recipients Are Connected to Multiple Acute Rejection Episodes and Endothelial Activation.

The role of anti-HLA antibodies in transplant rejection is well-known but the injury associated with non-HLA antibodies is now widely discussed. The aim of our study was to investigate a role of non-HLA antibodies in hand allografts rejection. The study was performed on six patients after hand transplantation. The control group consisted of: 12 kidney transplant recipients and 12 healthy volunteers. The following non-HLA antibodies were tested: antibody against angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R-Ab), antibody against endothelin-1 type-A-receptor (ETAR-Ab), antibody against protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1-Ab) and anti-VEGF-A antibody (VEGF-A-Ab). Chosen proinflammatory cytokines (Il-1, IL-6, IFNγ) were used to evaluate the post-transplant humoral response. Laboratory markers of endothelial activation (VEGF, sICAM, vWF) were used to assess potential vasculopathy. The patient with the highest number of acute rejections had both positive non-HLA antibodies: AT1R-Ab and ETAR-Ab. The same patient had the highest VEGF-A-Ab and very high PAR1-Ab. All patients after hand transplantation had high levels of laboratory markers of endothelial activation. The existence of non-HLA antibodies together with multiple acute rejections observed in patient after hand transplantation should stimulate to look for potential role of non-HLA antibodies in humoral injury in vascular composite allotransplantation.

Three-year (2017-2019) activity report of the Replantation Service for hand amputations in Poland.

This article summarises activity of the Replantation Service for hand amputations in Poland in years 2017-2019. Over this period a total of 551 cases of total and subtotal amputations as well as other complex injuries to the hand were referred to the referenced centres. Of these, 330 referrals were accepted and 221 rejected, for various reasons. Among these accepted, there were 165 total (50%) and 131 subtotal (40%) amputations; 34 patients (10%) had other severe hand injuries. Vast majority of the patients constituted young and middle-age males. The most common was amputation of several digits and thumbs - a total of 251 cases (76%), followed by transmetacarpal - 30 (9%), forearm - 23 (7%) and wrist - 20 (6%) amputations. Replantation of amputated extremity was performed in 138 patients (42%), revascularization in 98 (30%) and in 45 (14%) primary repair of the complex injuries. In 26 cases (8%), coverage of tissue defects was performed, and in 23 (7%) primary terminalization. Survival rate was of a mean of 65% for replantations and 85% for revascularizations. Comparing to the previously reported period 2013-2017, the number of treated patients was similar, but structure of injuries differed: number of digital amputations increased (of 22 cases), whereas number of proximal amputations (hand, forearm and arm) significantly dropped (of 50 cases). The importance of Replantation Service, an informal structure, in saving limbs of severely mutilated patients was emphasised.

Quality of life-oriented evaluation of late functional results of hand replantation.

BACKGROUND: Forearm amputation in different zones via a similar mechanism in a group of patients of similar age is associated with different possibilities of functional recovery. The degree of postoperative recovery of function is invariably partial compared to pre-amputation function; this kind of trauma inevitably leads to disability. The patients adapt to their new circumstances to a different extent. That is why a quality of life evaluation should be included in the assessment of replantation outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate functional outcomes in patients after replantation at the metacarpal, wrist and mid-forearm level with regard to the quality of life of this patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients (29 men, 1 woman) of an average age of 41 years who had had replantation or revascularization surgery of an upper limb at different levels took part in a randomized study. The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the level of amputation: metacarpal, wrist, mid-forearm, with 10 patients in each group. Amputations had been done by a circular saw (21) or via a guillotine mechanism (9). The patients were evaluated on average 4.2 years postoperatively. The following parameters were assessed: total range of active motion (the long finger with the greatest range of motion was assessed) (TAM), grip strength, and sensation; patients performed the Nakamura-Tamai test (modified). Overall functional outcomes were assessed according to Chen's classification. The quality of life (QoL) was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire (0-136 points). The correlation of functional and QoL results was assessed by Spearman's non-parametric test. RESULTS: Average TAM was: 167 degrees in metacarpal, 174 degrees in wrist, 114 degrees in mid-forearm group; grip strength was 0.7 N, 0.9 N and 0.6 N respectively. All patients had at least protective sensation, whereas a 2PD of less then 10 mm was present in 4 patients in the metacarpal group, and 6 patients in the wrist group. In Chen's classification 5 patients in metacarpal group were rated as grade I and II, compared to 7 in the wrist group, and 2 in the forearm group. QoL scores were 98.9, 104 and 82 respectively. A strong QoL-function correlation was confirmed in the wrist and forearm groups (0.73 - 0.81 respectively), and in the metacarpal group it was weak (0.43). CONCLUSION: The quality of life of patients of the designated groups was correlated with their functional results.

Hand transplant - outcome after 6 months, preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Hand transplant still remains a partly experimental procedure because of the small number of patients and short follow-up (not longer than 10 years). Most hand transplantations have been performed at the distal forearm level. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The transplant recipient was a 29-year-old man who had lost his dominant right hand 3 years before in a milling machine accident; the donor was a 52-year-old woman. The procurement and transport of the limb were performed according to standard procedures. Preparation of the donor limb and the patient's stump was performed simultaneously by two surgical teams. Anastomoses were done in the following order : bones-tendons-nerves-veins-artery. The radial artery and 3 large veins were anastomosed. The operative wound was closed without a skin graft. Ischemia time was 9 hours. Pharmacological treatment was similar to that usually administered to replantation patients; immunotherapy consisted of Simulect, Prograf, Cell-Cept, and steroids. Physiotherapy was started on the second postoperative day; it consisted of early protective active motion (EPM), continuous passive motion (CPM), splinting, and sensory stimulation. The function of internal organs was monitored; the early outcome was evaluated at 6 months after the transplantation. RESULTS: The function of internal organs remained undisturbed, no rejection episodes were observed. Bony union was achieved after 11 weeks and progressed steadily, as did the range of motion and reinnervation. On the day of the preliminary assessment, the active range of motion was 200 degrees , 2PD exceeded 15 mm, and electromyography demonstrated temperature sensation and hypothenar muscle function. Functional assessment according to the DASH questionnaire was rated at 67 points, and a quality of life evaluation with the SF-36 questionnaire produced a score of 110 points. CONCLUSION: The distal third of the forearm is a replantation zone promoting early functional recovery.

Abnormal Nailfold Capillaries in Patients after Hand Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The development of graft vasculopathy may play a role in the long-term deterioration of hand grafts. The aim of study was to examine the patterns of the nailfold capillaries in hand transplant recipients. METHODS: the study was performed on six patients who received hand transplantation. To normalize for the effect of immunosuppression an age- and sex-matched group of 12 patients with active kidney transplant was selected. As an additional control group, 12 healthy volunteers were recruited. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy was performed in all participants. Additionally, serum concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured. RESULTS: Videocapillaroscopic examination of the hand allografts revealed significant abnormalities: including capillary disorganization and microhaemorrhages. The number of capillaries was reduced, the vessels were enlarged and branched. Surprisingly, similar, albeit slightly less pronounced, changes were seen in the nailfolds of healthy hands of the limb transplant recipients. In kidney transplant recipients the capillaroscopic pattern was general normal and comparable to healthy individuals. Moreover, serum concentrations of VEGF in all participants correlated with average capillary diameter in capillaroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: in hand transplant recipients advanced microvascular abnormalities are found in nailfold capillaroscopic pattern in both transplanted and own extremities connected with elevated levels of VEGF.

Comparison of the diagnostic value of ultrasonography and neurography in carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography and neurography in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and to estimate the critical value of cross-sectional area of median nerves. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-nine patients (153 carpal tunnels) (17 men and 72 women, mean age 62.5 years) with CTS and 50 healthy volunteers were examined. In all patients and controls standard neurographic tests were done (motor and sensory conduction velocity tests in median and ulnar nerves). Ultrasonography was done in transverse projections with estimation of cross-sectional circumference and area of median nerves. RESULTS: Mean parameters of ultrasonography and neurography, except the mean latency of sensory potentials, were statistically different in the patient and control groups. Correlations between mean parameters of ultrasonography and neurography were also statistically significant. The critical value of median nerves' cross-sectional area equal to 0.1 cm2 seemed to be important in CTS diagnostics. Oedema of median nerve was observed in some CTS cases without electrophysiological changes. Radial slide of median nerve round the tendon of superficial flexor muscles of second and third fingers was observed in 68% of CTS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic findings correlate well with electrophysiological tests in CTS patients. Cross-sectional area equal to 0.1 cm2 is important in CTS diagnostics. Median nerve oedema, revealed in the early stage of CTS without any electrophysiological changes, might be an important factor in occurrence of subjective complaints. Radial slide of median nerve phenomenon is a common ultrasonographic finding in CTS.

Transplantation of amputated bony phalanges as a salvage thumb reconstruction method - a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Every traumatic amputation of the thumb is an indication for an attempt of replantation. Due to local state of the wound not every case qualifies for this procedure. Such patients may be offered a multi-step salvage reconstruction of the amputated finger; the first step consists of an emergency implantation of the bony phalanx under the skin of the abdominal wall. The osseous graft was covered with skin using a pedicled tubular flap or a "cutaneous pocket". The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of this reconstructive method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a period of four years, we operated on 24 patients (22 males, 2 females) aged 17 - 56 years (mean 31.3 yrs); trauma affected the dominant hand in 16 cases (66%); 17 patients (71%) lost their thumbs at the level of IP joint ; in the remaining 7 cases (29%) the amputation was at the level of the MCP joint. In 3 cases with concomitant amputation of the 2nd and 3rd fingers, the grafted structure was the bony phalanx of the index finger. The grafted phalanx, its soft tissues pared off, was joined with the proximal phalanx or the 1st metacarpal bone with two K-wires and then covered with a pedicled tubular flap or implanted to a cutaneous pocket preformed from the abdominal wall. The flap and the "pocket" were cut away on average after 30.2 days. The cutaneous plasty of the finger was performed on average after 11.3 weeks; the sensory island was transferred according to Littler in 18 patients on average 22.2 weeks after the amputation. The evaluation included: osteosynthesis, mobility of the finger (Kapandji's test), pinch-grip strength, touch sensation (filament and discriminatory, temperature sensitivity), esthetics of the finger, and the employment status of the patients. RESULTS: Failure of losing the graft occurred in 3 patients (12%) and was due to an infection unresponsive to treatment and developing on necrotic flaps. Five patients (21%) developed marginal necrosis within the fragments of the cut off flaps requiring cutaneous plasty; an inflammation of the recipient site occurred in 5 cases (21%). 18 patients (75%) of the patients turned up for the distant follow-up on average 13.2 months after the accident (range 11 - 28 mths). 16 patients (89%) had good bone union; in 2 cases the distal part of the graft had been resorbed. All of the patients were able to touch the pseudo-ball of the thumb with the 5th finger. The strength of the pinch-grip on average reached 3.3 kG (range 1.8 - 6.2 kG), which equals to 55% (range 36 - 78%) of the uninjured hand. Touch sensation was satisfactory in 16 patients (89%) (blue filament), reduced in 2 (11%); 6 patients (33%) showed two-point discrimination in the range of 10 to 15 mm. The esthetical result of the thumb was assessed as good in 13 (72%) and satisfactory in 5 patients (28%). Fifteen patients (83%), 9 blue collar workers and 6 farmers, continued with their occupations. CONCLUSION: The autograft of the amputated phalanx is a valuable reconstructive method for a selected group of patients.

Results of treatment of mallet finger by internal splinting - a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Mallet finger, although common represents a spectrum of injuries for which there are many questions about the best form of treatment. Many authors advocate orthopedic treatment which is less invasive but requires greater patients dedication to implement. Despite a great number of different sort of orthosis none has proved superiority. The method of internal splinting of the DIP joint is less troublesome for the patient uniting the assets of orthopedic and surgical treatment. The goal of the study is the evaluation of the above mentioned method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty three patients aged from 18 to 55 years (the same number of fingers) were treated by means of internal splinting of the DIP joint for mallet finger. Most of the lesions involved the middle finger (29 %), the lesion was mostly (54%) sustained during house-work; mean period from trauma to treatment was 3,8 weeks. The splinting was performed by means of 1-1,2 mm K wire, after applying Oberst's type of anesthesia. The stabilization was maintained for 8 weeks, then the patients were required to splint the joint for the period of 4 weeks. RESULTS: The mean period of follow-up was months. Twenty four patients (72%) were examined. One patient had a K-wire removed after 4 weeks due to infection and the treatment was continued according to the time protocol by means of Stack's orthosis. No other complications were observed. The total active flexion of the affected digit was similar to the unaffected counterpart. The mean lag of extension was 5,68 degrees ; 31/33 (91%) fingers were rated excellent and good acc. to Miller scheme. CONCLUSION: Internal splinting method of treatment of mallet finger is a recommendable alternative for other methods.

Modified Colzi method in the management of established Volkmann contracture--the experience of Trzebnica Limb Replantation Center (preliminary report).

BACKGROUND: "The terrible disability of irreversible ischaemic flexion contracture of the metacarpi and digits known as Volkmann's contracture can be avoided in the vast majority of cases, but never completely cured" (M. Koszla). A modification of Colzi's forgotten technique for the treatment of Volkmann's contracture is presented together with our treatment outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The Colzi procedure was performed in 15 patients aged: 3-54 years with Buck-Gramcko grade III, III/IV and IV Volkmann's contractures. Time between injury and surgery ranged from 4.5 months to 21 years. The main manoeuvre to reduce the contracture was two-level shortening osteotomy in the proximal and distal thirds of the radius and ulna. Osteosynthesis was performed by Rush intramedullary nailing. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A very good range of mobility (from 17 degrees preop. to 56 degrees postop.), force (0.73 preop.- 7.6 kg postop.) and contracture correction (183 degrees preop. - 27 degrees postop.) was achieved. Complications in the form of delayed union or secondary fractures occurred in 4/15 patients, and were managed by prolonged immobilisation and decortication with bone grafting. The modified Colzi procedure proved its value as a universal, easy, minimally invasive and safe method of treatment of Volkmann's contracture regardless of patient age, duration of illness, previous therapy, and stage of contracture.

Kaposi's sarcoma revisited.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a puzzling condition of unclear, possibly endothelial origin. It is divided into four distinct types regarding the affected population: classic in elder men of Ashkenazi Jewish and Mediterranean origin; endemic in African infants and young males; iatrogenic in patients under immunosuppressive regimens; epidemic in men having sex with men affected by AIDS. The exact etiopathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma continues to elude its researchers. Nonetheless, it has been discovered that human herpesvirus 8 is essential but not sufficient for sarcoma development. Also, iron exposure of populations inhabiting regions with volcanic soils has been suggested to play a pivotal role in the classic and endemic Kaposi's sarcoma etiology. The epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma is strongly associated with HIV's detrimental effect on immune system and HIV's Tat protein proangiogenic properties. Because Kaposi's sarcoma is found also in men having sex with men without AIDS, it has been proposed that certain lifestyle features (e.g. massive semen exposure and inhalant nitrites) may promote transformation of endothelial cells of both lymphatic and vascular origin. Despite numerous studies on Kaposi's sarcoma, it continues to be an incurable disease. The therapeutic approach includes local treatment and systemic administration of cytotoxic, immunomodulator and antiviral drugs. Because of the increasing prevalence of Kaposi's sarcoma, especially in certain parts of Africa, a better understanding of this condition is necessary.

Three-year (2014-2016) activity report of the Replantation Service for hand amputations in Poland.

The paper summarizes 32 months (January 2014 - August 2016) of activity of the Replantation Service for hand amputation in Poland. Over this period a total of 568 cases of total and subtotal amputations as well as other complex injuries to the hand were referred. Of these, 354 referrals (62%) were accepted and 214 (38%) rejected. Among accepted, there were 167 total (47%) and 142 subtotal (40%) amputations; 45 patients (13%) had other severe hand injuries. Vast majority of the patients constituted males aged a mean of 39 years. The most common injury was amputation of several digits in one patient, and thumb amputation - a total of 229 cases (65%), followed by transmetacarpal and wrist amputations - 92 (30%) and forearm/arm amputations - 33 cases (9%). Replantation of amputated extremity was performed in 141 patients (40%), revascularization in 145 (41%) and in 29 (8%) primary repair of the complex injuries. In 27 cases (8%), a coverage of the tissue defects, and in 12 (3%) primary terminalization was performed. Survival rate was of 78% for replantation and revascularization. Comparing to the period 2010-2012, an increase in number of treated patients (of n=64 cases), in number of amputations (of 96 cases) and in number of amputated digits (of 88 cases) were noted. The activity report shows importance of Replantation Service, an informal structure, in saving limbs of severely mutilated patients.

Composite allotransplantations of knee joint, larynx, uterus, abdominal wall, face and penis.

One of the most important and most spectacular achievements in the field of medicine in the past 10 years are new possibilities of tissue reconstruction with help of composite tissue transplantation. As long as the upper limb transplantation can be considered as standard therapeutic procedures, the status of other composite tissue transplantations is still unclear. The aim of the work is to present a review of the actual situation in the field.

Zone 1 extensor tendon lesions: current treatment methods and a review of literature.

The treatment options for the soft-tissue mallet finger, both acute and chronic, continue to generate a certain degree of controversy. Priority should always be given to conservative management of these injuries. This translates into a 6-to-8-week period of uninterrupted immobilization of the DIP joint with an external splint. Splinting has been shown to be highly effective and safe for both acute and chronic lesions. Even in the presence of an open injury, the value of splinting should be appreciated by the practitioner. The conversion of an acute closed, soft-tissue injury to an open one is to be discouraged,due to unacceptable complication rates. When surgery is contemplated, in a selected group of patients, the first option advocated by most authors is the placement of a trans-articular Kirschner wire at the DIP joint and/or conjoint tendon advancement. If external splinting fails in an acute injury, an argument can certainly be made for a second trial of conservative management. It has been found that some patients will not tolerate a second period of immobilization, and in most such cases surgery is offered. In summary, mallet injuries are best treated using closed, nonoperative techniques. The period of time after injury for which this conservative treatment can be prolonged and still be effective is being extended, and the absolute outside time limit remains unknown. Surgical treatment should be reserved for mallet fractures, and in such cases Bunnel's pull-out suture is recommended. Finger rehabilitation is an indispensable part of any method of treatment.

Rehabilitation of fingers after flexor tendon lesions qualified for secondary reconstruction, using Kleinert's dynamic splinting method.

Background. Primary reconstruction of flexor tendons lesions resulting from serious hand mutilations is not always possible. This causes problems in the rehabilitation of finger joints that are unable to perform active flexion. There is no generally accepted approach to such cases. The authors used a dynamic splinting regimen to treat fingers with unrepaired flexor tendons qualified for secondary reconstruction. Material and methods. Our research involved 39 patients treated in the Department Limb Replantation at St. Jadwiga's Hospital in Trzebnica, Poland, who had been referred for flexor tendon repair (from 1 to 3) in secondary reconstruction. The time from the primary operation ranged from 10 to 14 weeks. There were 27 men and 12 women, ranging in age from 19 to 60 years (ave. 39.5), divided into two groups. 24 patients (group I) had their fingers mobilized by dynamic splinting method, while in 14 patients (group II) no specific regimen of rehabilitation applied: the patients mobilized their fingers with their unimpaired hand. Results. The loss of total passive motion of finger joints was up to 75.65 degrees (~29%) greater in group II. Conclusions. The method applied is very effective in maintaining a wide range of passive motion in finger joints, which is essential for secondary flexor tendon reconstruction.

Functional and Psychosocial Outcomes of Hand Transplantation Compared with Prosthetic Fitting in Below-Elbow Amputees: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Hand-transplantation and improvements in the field of prostheses opened new frontiers in restoring hand function in below-elbow amputees. Both concepts aim at restoring reliable hand function, however, the indications, advantages and limitations for each treatment must be carefully considered depending on level and extent of amputation. Here we report our findings of a multi-center cohort study comparing hand function and quality-of-life of people with transplanted versus prosthetic hands. METHODS: Hand function in amputees with either transplant or prostheses was tested with Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand measure (DASH). Quality-of-life was compared with the Short-Form 36 (SF-36). RESULTS: Transplanted patients (n = 5) achieved a mean ARAT score of 40.86 ± 8.07 and an average SHAP score of 75.00 ± 11.06. Prosthetic patients (n = 7) achieved a mean ARAT score of 39.00 ± 3.61 and an average SHAP score of 75.43 ± 10.81. There was no significant difference between transplanted and prosthetic hands in ARAT, SHAP or DASH. While quality-of-life metrics were equivocal for four scales of the SF-36, transplanted patients reported significantly higher scores in "role-physical" (p = 0.006), "vitality" (p = 0.008), "role-emotional" (p = 0.035) and "mental-health" (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The indications for hand transplantation or prosthetic fitting in below-elbow amputees require careful consideration. As functional outcomes were not significantly different between groups, patient's best interests and the route of least harm should guide treatment. Due to the immunosuppressive side-effects, the indication for allotransplantation must still be restrictive, the best being bilateral amputees.