title: Cross-over limb replantation: a case report.
abstract: Following traumatic bilateral arm amputation in a 46-year-old woman, orthotopic replantation was not possible. The patient underwent replantation of the left forearm to the right proximal forearm. At two years she has a sensate hand, with good recovery of her long flexors of the hand and wrist extensors. DASH score is 93.9 and Chen's score is III (medium). We demonstrate a high level of function compared to the contralateral prosthetic limb. There have only been four similar cases described. Although a rare circumstance, a cross-limb replant can provide a level of function and independence superior to a simple prosthesis. Cross-limb transfer should be considered in situations where bilateral arm amputation is present and neither can be orthotopically replanted.
authors: Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 0UX, United Kingdom. willjmholmes@googlemail.com
authors: W J M
authors: WJ
authors: Holmes
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Williams
authors: K J M
authors: KJ
authors: Everitt
authors: S P J
authors: SP
authors: Kay
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Bourke
mesh_terms: D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000601:surgery*; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012092:Replantation / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Amputation; Cross-over limb; Hand; Limb salvage; Orthotopic transplantation; Replantation; Transplant rehabilitation