Hand op a success

THE first child in the world to undergo a double hand transplant is now able to write, feed and dress himself, doctors have said, declaring the groundbreaking operation a success after 18 months.

The report in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health provides the first official update on 10-year old Zion Harvey.

“Eighteen months after the surgery, the child is more independent and able to complete day-to-day activities,” said Sandra Amaral from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Zion had his hands and feet amputated at the age of two, following a sepsis infection.