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Acquired amputation and prostheses before the sixteenth century.

P A Padula, L W Friedmann

    Angiology
    |February 1, 1987
    PubMed
    Summary

    Ancient amputation practices date back millennia, utilizing rudimentary tools and analgesics. Early prosthetics were crafted from natural materials, demonstrating long-standing human adaptation to limb loss.

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    Area of Science:

    • Historical Medicine
    • Surgical History
    • Anthropology of Health

    Background:

    • Amputation is an ancient surgical procedure with a history dating back to at least 43,000 B.C.E.
    • Prosthetic fitting has been documented since 1,500 B.C.E., indicating early efforts to restore function.

    Observation:

    • Historical analgesics included plant-derived salicylates, narcotics like cocaine and opium, and soporifics such as alcohol and peyote.
    • Surgical tools comprised knives, axes, and saws, with bleeding controlled by ligature, cautery, and pressure.
    • Suturing materials varied, including cotton, hair, thorns, ant jaws, and sinew, with drains sometimes employed.

    Findings:

    • Early prostheses were constructed from materials such as fiber, wood, bone, and metals, often with fabric linings.

    Implications:

    • This historical overview highlights the enduring human need for surgical intervention and assistive devices.
    • Understanding ancient techniques provides context for the evolution of modern amputation and prosthetics.
    • The use of natural analgesics and varied materials showcases early innovation in surgical practice.

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