AIIMS Bhopal Makes History: 55-Year-Old Patient Regains Hand Movement Through Thigh Muscle Transplant

Bhopal: In a groundbreaking medical achievement, the Burns and Plastic Surgery Department of AIIMS Bhopal has successfully performed a ‘free functioning muscle transfer’ surgery for the first time in Madhya Pradesh. This complex microsurgical procedure restored elbow movement in a 55-year-old patient who had lost all function in his hand due to paralysis.

The Medical Challenge
The patient was suffering from a severe “pan brachial plexus injury,” a condition in which the nerves of the arm are completely damaged, leaving the upper limb paralyzed. As a result, he had lost all hand functions, making daily activities impossible.

The Complex Surgery
Using advanced microsurgical techniques, the medical team harvested the patient’s ‘gracilis’ muscle from his thigh along with its associated nerves and blood vessels. This muscle was then meticulously transplanted into the affected arm. Microvascular and nerve anastomosis were performed to ensure proper blood supply and nerve signals to the transplanted muscle, enabling restoration of movement.

The Team Behind the Success
The historic surgery was led by Dr. Deepak Krishna and Dr. Rahul Dubeypuria of the Plastic Surgery Department, with anesthesia managed by Dr. Anuj Jain. According to AIIMS Bhopal administration, the patient’s condition is now stable, and early results are very promising. He will remain under close medical supervision for the coming days.

This milestone marks a significant advancement in reconstructive surgery in central India, offering new hope to patients with severe nerve injuries.