On December 24, 2024, traffic police officer Liu Boqi suffered a catastrophic cervical spine injury during a car crash. Doctors said his chances of survival were near zero, and if he lived, permanent paralysis seemed inevitable.
Against all odds, Liu's robust physique from years of military service and the expertise of vice dean Wu Minfei and the medical team at the Second Norman Bethune Hospital of Jilin University in the Chinese mainland saved his life.
One month after the accident, in January 2025, surgeons performed a pioneering spinal cord interface surgery. This technique creates a digital bridge between brain signals and spinal pathways, enabling Liu to regain slight finger movements just six hours after the operation.
By June 2025, supported by a futuristic mechanical exoskeleton and intensive rehabilitation training, Liu took his first steps since the crash. His muscle strength returned at a pace that astonished his doctors.
Today, in November 2025, Liu can stand and walk short distances with minimal assistance—a testament to three miracles in his recovery: survival, neural reconnection, and exoskeleton-assisted mobility.
Liu Boqi's journey offers hope to patients worldwide with similar injuries. As clinics explore the potential of brain-machine interfaces and robotic support, this breakthrough could redefine neurorehabilitation.
This story illustrates how cutting-edge medical technology and human resilience combine to reshape possibilities for paralyzed lives.
Reference(s):
Rebuilding the spinal cord: Can technology restart paralyzed lives?
cgtn.com
