Hand Transplant for a Soldier

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Think of something you do during the day where you don't use your hands. Not easy, right? That's why doctors have devoted so many resources to helping those who've lost a hand to an accident or infection. Experts on the cutting edge of surgery have put away the prosthetics and designed a procedure to re-attach hands.

Twenty-five year old Josh Maloney's life changed in an instant. The former Marine Corporal lost his right hand during a military training accident.

"When it happens the entire world turns upside down because you never realize how much you use your hands," Maloney told Ivanhoe.

Maloney was the sixth person in the U.S. to receive a hand transplant. Doctors attached a donor hand above the right wrist during a complex surgery connecting muscles, tendons, blood vessels, nerves and bone. But in Maloney's case doctors also took one other major, preventive step.

"During that time, we not only do the hand transplant, but we infuse the bone marrow from the same donor," W.P. Andrew Lee, M.D., UPMC hand transplant surgeon, said.

Dr. Lee says infusing bone marrow helps the patient's body adjust to the donor tissue and cells and lowers the amount of anti-rejection meds a patient needs. That medication is toxic and can cause cancer.

Maloney says he was willing to take the risk for the chance at a normal life.

"If I die at 65 because I had cancer, but I lived a full life with two hands, and did everything I could, and taught my children everything I could, I'd be okay with that," Maloney concluded.

The nerves from Maloney's arm have grown one inch a month and now extend into his new hand.

A soldier who takes advantage of life's simple joys -- using both hands for a game of catch.

Experts say more amputees may become candidates for the surgery by decreasing the impact of the anti-rejection drugs.

If you would like more information, please contact:
Dan Foust
UPMC Transplant Coordinator
foustde@upmc.edu

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