When was the first successful hand transplant performed?

The first successful modern hand transplant was carried out in 1998 in Lyon, France, by a team led by Jean-Michel Dubernard. The recipient was Clint Hallam, and the procedure showed that complex limb transplantation was technically possible. Although Hallam later requested removal of the transplanted hand, the operation still marked a medical breakthrough. It helped pave the way for later hand and arm transplants around the world.