1970-01-01 02:00:00
“It is the first time that someone has transferred a component of the sciatic nerve to the brachial plexus,” said Paolo Titolo, one of the surgeons who performed the operation, in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday.
Marcello Gaviglio, a 55-year-old healthcare professional, had to have half of his left leg amputated after being hit by a motorbike five months ago while commuting to work on his motorized bicycle.
He suffered serious injuries to his brachial plexus as well as his leg, which left him unable to use either hand.
As the part of the sciatic nerve that controlled the left foot was no longer needed, it was able to be transferred to the shoulder area in the operation carried out on December 21, potentially restoring mobility to one of the hands.
Since the part of the sciatic nerve that controlled his left foot was no longer needed, it could be transferred to the shoulder area in the operation carried out on December 21, potentially restoring mobility to one of his hands.
Before it becomes clear whether this is possible, Gaviglio will have to undergo about 5 months of post-operative care. For now, he still can’t move his hand.
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