Hand transplant

We’re one of the only transplant centers in the U.S. with the experience to perform bilateral hand transplants. This life-changing surgery helps amputees gain mobility, independence, and a better connection with the world around them.

Penn Medicine hand transplant recipient, Laura

Penn Medicine’s rare, life-changing hand transplant expertise

Only a few people around the world have received hand transplants, and we’re proud that some of them are our patients. Hand transplant is a complex procedure requiring close collaboration between our transplant, orthopaedics, and plastic surgery experts. The Penn Transplant Institute is committed to improving the quality of life for more amputee patients through hand transplantation.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to try new and effective treatments and take part in future research.

Second opinions

If you've received a diagnosis, our team of experts offers second opinions to grant you peace of mind.

Giving to the Transplant Institute

Your gift enables our researchers and clinicians to continue life-saving transplant programs.

The hand transplantation process at Penn Medicine

Hand transplantation is a groundbreaking surgery where hands from a deceased donor are surgically attached to the recipient’s arms. This delicate procedure involves connecting all of the tissues in the hands and arms: blood vessels, bones, cartilage, fat, muscles, skin, and tendons.

Fewer than 100 hand transplants have been performed in the United States. Our team is proud to be able to offer this rare surgery to adults and children. In collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), we were the first in the nation to perform a bilateral hand transplant for a child.

Your transplant nurse coordinator is your guide through every part of the transplant process. The steps include:

Schedule an appointment

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