A member asked:

18 month new right transtibial & left transradial amputee. also a shattered left foot. can my foot be reconstructed. any hope for limb transplants?

6 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Dr. Amy Friedman answered

Specializes in Transplant Surgery

Rare Hand Txps: Hand transplants are now performed under specific circumstances - usually for someone who has lost both hands. This is a spectacular technical accomplishment, with surgery lasting between 14-24 hours or longer. Long term results are not yet known. Difference between hands and feet/legs are the human need to grasp and feel, as well as have dexterity. Artificial legs do quite well for replacement.

Answered 12/24/2014

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Yes: Upper limb transplants are being done at several centers in the us. A recent double limb transplanrt was done at johns hopkins in a young man with injuries in the iraq war. http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/29/health/vet-arm-transplant/index.html?iref=allsearch.

Answered 10/4/2016

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Dr. M Felix Freshwater answered

Specializes in Hand Surgery

Not yet: Unless you have an identical twin who is willing to sacrifice his left hand, you will have to wait until the transplant medicine is worked out.

Answered 11/25/2014

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Unclear: Sorry to hear that you sustained so many injuries. Foot reconstruction is possible depending on the injury. Unfortunately, many of those are not successful and end up in amputation after many months attempting to salvage. Contrary to popular belief ambulating with bilateral transtibial amputations is fairly easy to learn especially for young adults. Transplants are not available yet.

Answered 3/12/2013

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