Abstract
Prosthetic devices have existed for centuries. Originally prosthetics were simply replacements for missing limbs, but now they help people have extremely active lives. Such improvements have been made possible because of new surgical techniques, advancement of components for making prosthetics, and creative engineering ideas. In this article we will attempt to provide an insight to the history of prosthetics and some of the surgical techniques employed, albeit very basic. Mythological tales prove that some revered gods and goddesses of ancient cultures could have a handicap. We then develop the disabling causes in old civilisations going from legs and foot prostheses to arm and hand prostheses. For these limb replacements, we give examples of famous amputees. We then consider the head as a favorite place for implants and prostheses and develop trepanation with skull implants, eye and nose prostheses to finally treat the large domain of dental restorations.
My first thanks go to Luis Castillo, professor of archeology at the Universidad Catholica Pontifica of Lima and scientific supervisor of Peruvian archeology and the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú, the Museo del Oro and the Museo Lorca in Lima. He opened the doors for me and allowed me to take the photos I needed. I still remember our multiple discussions enriching my knowledge about pre-Columbian cultures. I also want to express my many thanks to Google and Wikipedia who allowed me to complete my own collection of documents on prostheses and implants in ancient cultures.
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