The 51-year-old man, identified only by his surname, Jiang, lost both legs on Dec. 2, 2024, when they were severed by a factory machine.

Doctors at Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital, about 100 km west of Shanghai, performed a grueling eight-hour overnight operation to reconnect Jiang’s severed legs to his thighs, according to The Yangtse Evening Post.

Following nearly 20 months of intensive rehabilitation, Jiang can now walk with a supportive frame and carry out most daily activities independently. Doctors also reported that sensation has been restored down to his ankles.

The Jiangsu Trauma and Treatment Association, a local hospital network, described the double-thigh replantation as the world’s first successful procedure of its kind.

In an Aug. 14 social media post, the association noted that while single-thigh replantations had been achieved previously, there were no documented cases of both thighs being completely reattached with the patient subsequently regaining the ability to walk, according to the South China Morning Post.

"The success of this case demonstrates that China’s microsurgical trauma expertise has reached a world-leading level," the association stated.

Li Changsong, director of the hospital’s trauma orthopedics department, told The Yangtse Evening Post that Jiang could eventually reduce his reliance on mobility aids and potentially walk entirely on his own.

Jiang's road to recovery required extensive post-operative care and overcome severe setbacks. His external fixators, medical devices using pins and screws to stabilize the bones, were successfully removed in March 2025.

Following the removal of the hardware, Jiang was able to lift his legs while lying in bed and regained sensation to his mid-calf, which eventually led to his discharge from hospital.

However, his rehabilitation was complicated by severe medical challenges. Jiang developed skin necrosis, a condition where inadequate blood supply causes body tissue to die, according to Sina.

He also suffered a comminuted fracture after the initial surgery, a severe break where the bone shatters into multiple pieces, which further complicated his healing process.

Recent images published by The Yangtse Evening Post show Jiang standing with the support of a walking frame, his legs marked by extensive surgical scars.

While doctors have not provided a specific timeline for when he might walk unassisted, his continued progress will depend on further improvements in muscle strength, nerve regeneration, and bone healing.