A woman walked around with an ear on her foot for five months (4 photos)
What progress has come so far. Doctors in China performed a unique operation to save a patient's completely severed ear. 
Ms. Song, a resident of Jinan City, Shandong Province, suffered a serious injury at work: her long hair was caught in machinery, resulting in the complete detachment of her left ear and damage to the skin on her head and neck.
At Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, doctors assessed the situation and concluded that immediate replantation of the ear in its natural location was impossible due to severe damage to the small blood vessels in the area of the injury. To preserve the viability of the organ and allow time for the scalp tissue to recover, they used a rare heterotopic transplant technique: the left ear was carefully sutured to the thin skin on the back of the right foot, where the blood supply was sufficient to maintain the tissue. 
The patient spent almost five months with the ear attached to her foot. She wore loose shoes, avoided putting weight on her foot, and had regular checkups. During this time, the vessels and tissues in the head had recovered sufficiently for a second operation. In December, surgeons successfully transplanted the ear back into its anatomical position. The organ took root and retained its normal color, sensitivity, and appearance. 
Such cases are extremely rare in medical practice, although similar techniques have previously been used to preserve fingers or hands. Modern microsurgeons once again demonstrated a high level of skill, restoring not only the woman's appearance but also full ear function. The patient has already been discharged and is feeling well. 
The ear immediately after returning to its rightful place
