Forearm Transplantation
Forearm Transplantation - Related Videos
08:05
Testing Tactile Masking between the Forearms
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Cited by 2 •
2016
Here we explore contralateral tactile masking between the forearms in which tactile detection thresholds are modulated by vibration applied to a remote site. The details of which remote sites have an effect can tell us about how the body is represented in the brain.
01:16
Muscles that Move the Forearm
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2024
The muscles that move the forearms can be divided into four groups: forearm flexors, forearm extensors, forearm pronators, and forearm supinators. The flexors and extensors act on the elbow joint, while the pronators and supinators act on the radioulnar joints. Forearm Flexors The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
07:19
Simulating Fall-Induced Wrist Fractures Using a Cadaveric Human Forearm Specimen
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2026
Source:Anthony J. Yosick1,2, Christine Massie1, Emma Knapp2, Hani A. Awad1,2,31Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, US2Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA3Department of Orthopedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, USAThe video demonstrates fall-related wrist fractures using human cadaver forearms with varying bone densities. Specimens are standardized by removing upper soft tissue,...
08:15
Cervical Heterotopic Mouse Heart Transplantation using End-to-side Anastomosis Technique to Study Transplant Immunology
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2026
This protocol presents a simplified, end-to-side suture anastomosis technique for murine cervical heart transplantation, providing a robust and reproducible model for studying transplant immunology.
01:16
Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
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2026
The muscles of the forearm that move the wrist, hand, and digits are numerous and diverse. They can be classified into two groups based on their location and function — the anterior and posterior compartment muscles. Anterior Compartment The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...
FAQs
The graft combines bone, muscle, skin, blood vessels, tendons, and nerves, so successful reconstruction requires these tissues to work together rather than independently. Bone provides structural support, muscle and tendons contribute to movement, blood vessels maintain tissue circulation, and nerves support sensation and motor function. This integrated design distinguishes the procedure from reconstruction focused on only one tissue type.
Joining donor and recipient arteries and veins restores circulation through the transplanted forearm. Arteries deliver blood to the graft, while veins provide the connected pathway needed for blood to leave it. Without this vascular connection, the transplanted tissues could not remain viable. Surgical precision during these connections therefore directly supports the survival and function of the composite graft.
Lifelong immunosuppressive therapy helps prevent the recipient’s immune system from rejecting the transplanted forearm. Because the graft contains multiple donor tissues, maintaining immune control is an ongoing part of care rather than a short perioperative measure. This requirement makes immune management a central consideration alongside surgical reconstruction, rehabilitation, and the recovery of movement and sensation.
Tendon alignment creates the anatomical relationships needed to support movement, while nerve alignment supports the return of sensation and motor control. These elements must be addressed during reconstruction, but their contribution to the final result also depends on subsequent nerve recovery and rehabilitation. Consequently, restoration of an anatomically complete forearm does not alone determine functional outcome.
The procedure begins with placement of the donor forearm and alignment of the donor and recipient bones. Surgeons then reconnect arteries and veins to restore circulation, followed by alignment of tendons and nerves to support movement and sensation. The operation therefore combines skeletal fixation, microsurgical vascular reconnection, and precise soft-tissue and nerve reconstruction within one coordinated procedure.
Clinicians may consider forearm transplantation when the limb is severely damaged or absent and conventional prostheses or reconstructive options are insufficient. The approach can address both functional and appearance-related goals because it replaces multiple coordinated tissues rather than addressing only an isolated defect. Its consideration must also account for the need for lifelong immunosuppressive therapy and extended rehabilitation.
Useful function depends on several linked factors: surgical precision, successful immune control, rehabilitation, and nerve recovery. Vascular connections must support the graft, bones and tendons must be appropriately aligned, and nerves must contribute to restored sensation and movement. Because these elements interact, outcome assessment considers more than graft placement and includes the recovery of coordinated upper-limb function.
Forearm transplantation illustrates how reconstructive surgery and transplantation can be combined to address complex loss of an upper limb. It offers a potential route to restoring appearance and function when other approaches are inadequate, while also requiring vascular surgery, tissue integration, immune control, and rehabilitation. For medicine, it is therefore an important setting for coordinating multiple specialties around long-term recovery.