A severe injury or infection to a hand or arm can result in the need for amputation. In Canada, an estimated 227,000 people have had either an arm or a leg amputated.
Patients who have experienced hand or arm amputation may be able to undergo a transplant procedure known as composite tissue transplantation. This complex procedure involves connecting a deceased donor’s hand or arm to a person’s bone, muscles, nerves, skin and other tissue.
Health Quality Ontario Reviews Composite Tissue Transplant of Hand or Arm
Hand and arm transplants have been performed in several countries. Health Quality Ontario looked at the safety and effectiveness of hand and arm transplants, and also looked at how much these transplants cost and whether they are cost-effective.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has accepted this recommendation.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has provided the following response: As recommended by HQO and due to the uncertain clinical benefit, the Ministry has no plans to provide further dedicated program funding for hand or arm transplants beyond existing commitments.