World's first double arm transplant recipient can now drive and work out at the gym

A man who underwent the world's first full double arm transplant 16 months ago can now work out at the gym and hug his grandchildren.

Felix Gretarsson, 49, had to have his arms amputated after he was electrocuted at work.

After decades without them, they convinced a surgeon to perform a double arm and shoulder transplant in a 15-hour surgery, in January 2021.

The dad has shocked surgeons with his incredible progress and is now able to brush his teeth, walk and throw balls for his dog and hug his kids with his transplanted arms.

To build up the muscles in his new arms, Felix, from Kópavogur, Iceland, has now started to go to the gym to exercise.

Last month Felix held a mobile phone for the first time in his life, as his accident occurred in 1988.

Prior to the transplant, he would lick or use his nose to tap the screen.

Felix was electrocuted while trying to fix a powerline and both his arms were set on fire in 1998.

He had 54 operations while in a three-month-long coma - and doctors had to remove both of his arms to save his life.

Felix tracked down a world-renowned surgeon and begged him to perform a never-before-attempted transplant - moving half way across the world to be in line.

On the 23 year anniversary of his accident, he had a double arm and shoulder transplant in a 15 hour surgery, in January this year.

The former electrician, who now lives in Lyon, France, now has very strong feelings in both his arms and is making amazing progress every day.

He said: “I’m hoping at some point in the future there are a lot of people that could use an operation like that and for them to have a place where it’s all there what to expect.

“So I'm kind of living in a fairy-tale, there's always something new.”