But doctors at Monmouth Medical Center have taken nerves from his legs and connected them to his right arm.
They say it may take a year before they know if the surgery was successful.
But Vinnie's wife is confident.
"We're absolutely elated," Kathy Filipini said. "We saw him come out. I mean, we had our trust in him, but you always get worried. I believe this is all going to turn his life around."
Doctors say if the surgery is successful, it can offer new hope to thousands of patients nationwide.
