Timeline of Functional Recovery Following Hand and Upper-Extremity Transplantation.
Isaac Mordukhovich, Connor Roncagli, Natalie Hoffner et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review analyzed functional recovery following hand and upper-extremity transplantation (HUET) in 97 patients over 10 years. It found that power grip strength and total active range of motion stabilized after the first postoperative year, while psychosocial outcomes improved significantly for bilateral HUETs compared to unilateral. The study highlights the influence of transplant level on recovery outcomes.
Key findings
- Distal HUETs showed significant improvement in Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament scores from POY1 to POY2.
- Power grip strength was higher in distal HUETs (7.33 ± 0.71 kg) compared to proximal HUETs (4.51 ± 1.49 kg).
- Bilateral HUETs had higher SF-36 scores than unilateral HUETs across POY1-10.
- HTSS scores for distal HUETs improved from 65 (57-79.5) at POY1 to 76 (71-85) by POY3.
Why it matters
Understanding the timeline of functional recovery after HUET can guide clinicians in setting realistic expectations for patients and tailoring rehabilitation strategies. The differences in recovery based on transplant level and type can inform decision-making in surgical planning and postoperative care.