Atlas of amputations and limb deficiencies : surgical, prosthetic, and rehabilitation principles. / John H. Bowker, John W. Michael y Douglas G. Smith

The distinct but interdeperiient fields of amputation surgery an'', prosthet ics have historical roots cxtending back to about 1800 bck wli 11, according to the Rig-Veda, ihc Indian warrior-Queen Vishpla har her legamputated following a baine, was fitted with a prosthesis made of iron, and subsequently returned o lead her troops. The oidest archeologic evidence of amputation dates . to 45,000 years ago, Study of a mNeanderthal skeleton, found in present day Iraq, indicated that he survived to age 40 years with an atinphic right upper limb that had been amputated just above the elbow. Th. oidest surviving prosthesis (roughl\ 1000 bck) is an artistically carved wnnden hallux found on a female miriimy in the west Theban Necrópolis. It is held in place by a laced leather band around the forefoot and shows signs of wear from use. To present the mam hanges that have occurred in these two fields overtime, we will separateh examine the evolution of those individual aspects of prime interest to tthe amputation surgeon, prosthetist, therapist, and other members of the rehabilitation team. The political, sin ial, and economic forces that infenced both advances and regression are mentioned where appropriated. We begin with the development of amputation surgery.