ABSTRACT
Extremity amputation is one of the oldest known surgical procedures. Neolithic man is known to have survived amputation. Ancient amputations were probably done by accident, for punishment, or during ritual sacrifice, rather than with surgical intent. Hippocrates first described the amputation procedure for vascular gangrene. In the sixteenth century, Ambrose Pare´, the great French army surgeon, improved the outcome of amputation by instituting routine ligature of vessels and gentle wound care. Anesthesia and aseptic techniques have reduced complications following surgery, and twentieth-century contributions have emphasized rehabilitation and conceived of amputations as a reconstructive procedure, removing disability and disease, and restoring ability.
