A baby boy, Jie-Jie, from Shanghai was born with one right arm and two left arms. Surgeons at the Shanghai Children’s Medical Center are planning to remove one of his left arms, but are not sure yet how to go about it.
Although Jie-Jie’s right arm seems to function OK, neither of his left arms do so completely. Tests have been carried out, but doctors are still not sure which left arm should be saved and which one should be removed. The arm which is closer to his chest is thinner and is never straight. The other left arm looks more normal, however Jie-Jie only moves it if someone pulls it. The hand on the slimmer arm has a palm, the hand on the more normal-looking arm has no palm.
Doctors have commented that Jie-Jie does not like it when they touch either of his left arms – he cries. But he enjoys being touched otherwise.
Jie-Jie was born on April 1, he is in intensive care, and said to be in a stable condition. He has just one kidney.
Jie-Jie is probably in the best hospital in China. Not long ago surgeons separated conjoined twins there.
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today