The medical world is making astonishing progress in its mission to cure and heal the ill. One of the fields in which quick progress has been made is that of transplants, but alto the field of prosthetics. Gone are the days when an amputated leg could prevent you from running the marathon and an amputated arm – from cooking bouillabaisse.

Karl Merk, a German farmer, is a man with quite a story. Six years ago, he lost his arms in a farming accident. He was chosen for a clinical trial which involved a complete, double-arm transplant. Much to Karl’s and the doctors’ shock and (then) delight, the pioneer operation was a successful one. Karl’s happiness could be seen on his wide, warm smile while he proudly showed the cameras the grafting areas where the new arms were sown unto his upper arms.

The intricate operation lasted for a grueling 15 hours, and Karl Merk has already spent three months at the Munich University Clinic. His recovery is just as amazing as the success of the operation, as Karl can already use his hand to perform simple tasks, such as operating light switches and door handles. But for Karl, there is nothing ordinary in these mundane activities. To keep himself motivated, the 54-year-old German farmer has set some goals he wants to achieve, such as feeding himself, getting dressed and riding a motorcycle. At the rate of his recovery, nothing seems impossible.

A team of 40 surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and additional staff completed the strenuous operation in July. Doctors are optimistic about his recovery chances, have noticed nerve growth in his arms and estimate that Karl’s re-learning process might take up to two years. So far, Mark’s immune system is receiving the arms well and there has been no sign of rejection. The German farmer is eagerly waiting to go home, but only after another month and a half. We all wish him a speedy recovery and congratulate the doctors on the successful operation!