I am the limbs and the wheelThe victim and the executioner! Who shall it be who will marry me? Rich man, poor man, beggar-man, thief, Doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief, Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor.
Usually articles on the history of amputation of limbs, focus on the surgeons, techniques and on the artificial limbs. Some people after amputation of limbs, survived even before the introduction of antibiotics, knowledge about antisepsis, sophisticated surgical techniques and the introduction of modern radiology. In my 40 years of experience in clinical rehabilitation medicine, I realize that most people with physical disability, do not seek sensation or risks.
This article will focus on famous amputees who continued their military career in-spite of their injury and disability.
They symbolize in my view , not only their survival , but also their victory over disability. Loss of a limb is usually followed by pain, fatigue, disturbance of body image [1], sometimes bodily disfigurement [2], functional limitations, walking disturbances, change of the victim's role in the family and society etc. Certain medical, surgical or artistic evidence of Surgical amputations or amputees, appear since the 16 th century [3].
Many lower-limb amputees paved their way with the aid of crutches or canes. Metal artificial limbs were heavy, expensive and impractical [4]. The anecdotes which are described herewith, show how people reached remarkable accomplishments despite their physical disabilities. Survival after self-mutilation Aron Lee Ralston , an American engineer, survived a sports accident in , during which he amputated his own right forearm with simple tools in order to free himself after being trapped in a desert for five days under a dislodged boulder [5].
