Transplanting a hand

Connection

Preparation

Radius

bone

Major nerves are reattached, and the large and small veins connected. With blood circulating in the remaining muscles, tendons and nerves are reconnected and the skin stitched closed

The bones are attached first with titanium plates, then major tendons and muscles are reconnected, before eight tiny blood vessels are connected to ensure viable blood supply.

Veins

Arteries

Nerves

Muscles

Ulna

bone

A hand is removed from a recently deceased organ donor, and the patient’s non-functioning hand is removed

Connection

Preparation

Major nerves are reattached, and the large and small veins connected. With blood circulating in the remaining muscles, tendons and nerves are reconnected and the skin stitched closed

The bones are attached first with titanium plates, then major tendons and muscles are reconnected, before eight tiny blood vessels are connected to ensure viable blood supply.

Veins

Arteries

Nerves

Muscles

Ulna

bone

Radius

bone

A hand is removed from a recently deceased organ donor, and the patient’s non-functioning hand is removed