The loss of a hand or upper limb is a life changing event. Until recently, the only options to restore function were artificial orthotic devices or prostheses.
The world’s first hand transplant was performed in France in 1998, since then, over 150 hand or upper limb transplants have been undertaken around the world. Leeds Teaching Hospitals is the only hospital in the UK to offer this service and has been doing so since 2013.
Hand transplantation has developed into a realistic alternative for a select population of patients and offers an opportunity to once again have hands that look natural and function beyond anything achievable by a prosthesis.
The information on this page aims to answer any questions around this and if you would like further information, please contact us.