Chinese doctors get double-thigh amputee to walk again in world first

On December 2, 2024, a Chinese factory worker named Jiang had both his legs amputated at the thighs due to industrial machinery at his workplace in Suzhou, Jiangsu province. He was transferred to Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital, a center specializing in hand surgery, orthopaedic trauma, and rehabilitation medicine.

A team of over 20 medical professionals operated on Jiang for nearly eight hours using microsurgical techniques to reconnect his blood vessels, nerves, bones, and muscles, successfully replanting both his severed limbs. This marked the world's first documented case of successful bilateral thigh replantation, as confirmed by the Jiangsu Trauma and Treatment Association.

However, Jiang faced a series of complications post-surgery. He developed localised skin necrosis that required flap surgery to repair the damaged tissue. Additionally, open comminuted fractures prevented his thigh bones from fusing correctly, a condition known as non-union. Jiang underwent bone grafts and reinforcement surgeries, including internal metal plates and screws, to heal these complications.

By March last year, just three months after the accident, Jiang was able to raise his legs freely while lying down. When sensation returned to his lower legs, he was discharged for rehabilitation. Jiang can now walk indoors with the aid of a frame and manages most of his daily tasks independently. However, it remains uncertain when he might no longer need the walking frame. This medical breakthrough underscores China's advanced microsurgical trauma expertise.