Transplanting a hand

Preparation

A hand is removed from a recently deceased organ donor

Radius bone

Ulna bone

Nerves

Muscles

Veins

Major arteries

Connection

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.

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

Preparation

A hand is removed from a recently deceased organ donor

Radius bone

Ulna bone

Nerves

Muscles

Veins

Major arteries

Connection

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.

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

Preparation

A hand is removed from a recently deceased organ donor

Radius bone

Ulna bone

Nerves

Muscles

Veins

Major arteries

Connection

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.

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