German Man Receives World's First Double Arm Transplant

A German man received the world's first complete double arm transplant and is adjusting well to his new arms, although it could take as long as two years before he gains functionality in his hands.  The nerves are predicted to grow down the arm at a daily rate of 1mm, but even after 2 years' time Karl Merck may never have full sensation in his fingers.

This is an incredibly successful outcome considering it's the first time two arms have been transplanted at once.

There has also been a full face transplant, a penis transplant which was unfortunately rejected (not by the man's body; he requested it be cut off after 2 weeks due to severe psychological reactions), and also spinal and nerve transplants setting records and making the news lately. 

Is a head transplant next on the list of rare accomplished procedures?  Not likely - after about 10 seconds without blood flow and oxygen, the brain would lose mass quantities of cells...unless they come up with a head transplant procedure that takes just 10 seconds or less.

Psychological implications are a major roadblock when it comes to transplanting body parts - many patients reject the part after a successful operation because it feels foreign to them.  Luckily in this case, Merck has a strong support system and was thoroughly counseled before the procedure, and will continue to receive psychological treatment.  His family has been very supportive.

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