The functional assessment and rehabilitation programme of the UK hand and upper limb transplant service

Abstract

Introduction: Hand and upper limb transplants are becoming internationally recognised as an effective treatment to improve function and quality of life in carefully selected patients. A comprehensive functional assessment and rehabilitation programme are an essential component of the multi-disciplinary assessment and treatment approach. Although there is an increasing body of published data on the surgical techniques and outcomes following hand transplant, little exists in the literature to guide the hand therapist. Method: The pre-transplant functional assessments and rehabilitation programme provided for patients undergoing hand transplantation in the UK are described and critically analys..