Amputation

The use of artificial limbs or prosthetics most likely dates back to prehistoric man's use of tree limbs and forked sticks for support or replacement of an appendage. In 1858, a copper and wood leg dating back to 300 B.C. was discovered in Italy. In the fifteenth century, a knight who had lost a hand in battle could acquire an iron replacement. Recent medical, surgical, and engineering advances have led to the development of state-of-the-art prosthetics, some of which can function nearly as well as the original limb. For example, some individuals who lose a leg may even be able to run again with the aid of a modern prosthetic device.

Recent advances have also led to more and more accidentally amputated limbs being successfully reattached. Depending on a number of factors, including the condition of the limb and how long it has been severed, full functional ability may be regained. In a notorious case that occurred in 1993, a man's severed penis was reattached with full functional ability.