A factory worker whose legs were completely severed from his body in a horrific machinery accident has learned to walk again after doctors spent almost eight hours reattaching them. The case has been assessed as the world's first reported successful replantation after both thighs were completely severed simultaneously.
Accident and emergency response
Mr Jiang was working at a factory in Suzhou, China, when both of his thighs were crushed and severed by a machine on December 2, 2024. His co-workers immediately called emergency services before wrapping the severed limbs and taking him to hospital.
He was transferred to Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital at around 9.30pm, almost three hours after the accident. More than 20 specialists worked through the night to try to save his legs.
Surgeons race against time
Dr Li Changsong, director of the hospital's trauma orthopaedics team, said: “Normally, an injury this severe would cause rapid and massive blood loss, and the patient could die within minutes. Yet somehow, he made it to hospital.”
One crucial factor gave doctors a chance of saving his legs. Dr Li said: “Luckily, the major blood vessels were violently compressed shut at the moment of impact. It was like a heavy object crushing a water pipe flat, so the blood didn't spurt out.”
The team knew they had little time, with the golden window for limb replantation generally considered to be six to eight hours. After an emergency discussion, they decided to attempt the unprecedented operation, with four teams working simultaneously to clean and prepare the injuries.
Eight-hour operation and recovery
Doctors shortened both femurs by 2cm before reconnecting the blood vessels, nerves, bones and muscles using microsurgical techniques. Dr Li said: “We were extremely cautious throughout because we were worried that the blood vessels that had been compressed shut could suddenly reopen and the wounds would start spurting blood.”
The operation lasted nearly eight hours, after which blood flow was successfully restored to both thighs. But successfully reattaching the legs was only the first hurdle.
Within the first week, Jiang, 51, developed a severe toxic reaction, while doctors also battled problems with wound healing and the risk of infection. He underwent further procedures, including a muscle flap transfer and skin graft, before later requiring a bone graft because fractures in both femurs were slow to heal.
It was not until 93 days after the initial surgery, when all his wounds had healed, that doctors finally felt able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Walking again
Nearly nine months after surgery, Jiang was able to lift his legs freely, while movement in his knees gradually recovered to around 90 degrees. By August 11, 2026, he was able to walk independently indoors with the help of a walking frame and was largely able to manage his daily activities himself.
Doctors say sensation in his legs has recovered to above the ankles and his two legs are now roughly the same length. Dr Li said Jiang's rehabilitation is continuing and he may eventually be able to walk without the frame, although no timeframe has been given.
The case has been assessed by the Jiangsu Institute of Medical Information as the world's first reported case of successful replantation after both thighs were completely severed simultaneously. Dr Li said: “In the past, some hospitals might have gone straight to amputation when faced with such a high-level limb separation. We want people to see that there is another possibility.”
