[melilight (OP)]

An incredible story, and medically incredible too

[majorminor]

Three cheers to science and the people involved in giving the boy a new life. Tough way to start  but I am sure after such a beginning he will be that little bit stronger than most.(or I like to think so)

[CliffordK]

There are always a few occasions when an extra hand would come in handy. 

Unfortunately it appeared as if they weren't well innervated (not commented in the film) and the most developed limbs were legs.  Still, I wonder if it would have been possible to give the kid a utilitarian extra hand.

[Lmnre]

Looks like a case of a parasitic twin, thus the apparent lack of innervation, usefulness, etc. As for a tough way to start life, some societies looked upon grossly malformed children as special in a good sense, and so people would treat them quite well, look upon them as an omen of good luck or to provide special wisdom/knowledge, and perhaps deify them or something similar. I'd guess it would be an instance of a self-fulfilling prophecy.