Hand Transplant Recipients Continue to Make Progress

Four years after becoming the world's first successful hand transplant recipient in Louisville, KY, Matt Scott continues to gain feeling and mobility in his new hand.

''This is both exciting and a little surprising,'' Dr. Warren C. Breidenbach III, lead hand-transplant surgeon, told a news conference held after annual checkups for Scott and Jerry Fisher, who received a hand transplant two years ago.

The two men, who both lost their left hands in fireworks explosions, received their new hands during surgical procedures at Jewish Hospital. Since the pioneering transplant on Scott, about 20 transplants have been performed on 16 people in countries that include France, Belgium, Italy, Austria and China.

So far, only one patient in France has rejected a transplanted hand, Breidenbach said.

Scott and Fisher continue to take immunosuppressive medication but neither has had any major rejection episodes, according to transplant surgeon Dr. Frederick Bentley of the University of Louisville.

Scott, 41, a New Jersey native, said he has hot and cold sensation in his new hand and can use it for everyday activities including picking up his two sons, opening a car door, turning doorknobs, drinking from a glass, dialing a cell phone, writing his name and tying his shoes.

Fisher, 38, who lives in Jackson, MI, said he has sensation in his hand and fingers and is able to move his wrist, hand, fingers and thumb in various motions, can pick up and hold objects, and drink from a glass.

Both men work regularly with occupational therapists to regain their skills, which the surgeons emphasized is an essential part of a successful hand transplant.

Other Sources: Jewish Hospital