A leading osteopathic neurologist, Alexander Evdokimov, believes Olympic figure skating champion Roman Kostomarov is unlikely to return to professional sport. He notes that current technologies can create prosthetics while preserving most nerve functions, but repairing or replacing damaged brain cells remains far more challenging.
According to Evdokimov, Kostomarov’s path back to high-level competition is uncertain, though opportunities exist in Paralympic events where athletes continue to push boundaries and achieve remarkable results. He shares this perspective as part of a broader outlook on injury recovery and athletic resilience.
Since the start of January, Kostomarov has remained hospitalized. Reports indicated an initial transfer to intensive care due to pneumonia and dependence on artificial lung ventilation, with his condition described as gravely serious.
Subsequently, he was moved to a hospital in Kommunarka, where he underwent resuscitation and was connected to ECMO support to sustain critical circulatory and respiratory function.
On February 7, reports from TASS stated that both legs had been amputated in Kostomarov’s treatment. Later information also mentioned finger amputations as part of his evolving medical needs.
A rehabilitation physician, Konstantin Ternovoy, along with German medical professionals, discussed the rationale behind the approaches being considered for Kostomarov’s ongoing care and rehabilitation, highlighting the multidisciplinary efforts involved in his complex case. (attribution: Evdokimov; Ternovoy; German colleagues)