The History of Prosthetics: From Ancient Tools to Smart Limbs

The history of prosthetics is more than just a timeline. It’s a story of human grit and creativity. From wooden toes to AI-powered limbs, each step forward brought more hope and independence.

Let’s explore how it all came together.

The Evolution of Prosthetic Limbs

It’s amazing to think how far prosthetics have come. What started as simple wooden toes has turned into tech-filled limbs that move with your thoughts. Let's explore how it happened.

Ancient Civilizations

The earliest proof of prosthetics comes from a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy, found with a prosthetic toe made from wood and leather.

Among the oldest known prosthetics are two artificial toes from ancient Egypt. One, the “Greville Chester toe,” is believed to be between 2,600 and 3,400 years old.

Made from cartonnage, a material similar to papier-mâché, it was likely a cosmetic prosthetic due to its rigid structure.

The “Cairo toe,” made from wood and leather, is estimated to be between 2,700 and 3,000 years old and is considered the earliest known practical prosthetic limb.

Its flexibility and ability to be refitted multiple times suggest it was designed for long-term use.

Around 300 BCE, the Romans developed the “Capua leg,” a prosthetic leg crafted from bronze, iron, and wood. This early design provided support and mobility to a Roman nobleman, highlighting the use of advanced materials in prosthetic technology.

The original Capua leg was kept at the Royal College of Surgeons until it was destroyed in World War II bombings. Today, a replica is on display at the Science Museum in London.

Other early prosthetics include artificial feet from Switzerland and Germany, created between the 5th and 8th centuries. Made from wood, iron, or bronze, these prosthetics were likely strapped to the amputee's remaining limb to aid movement.

Middle Ages to Renaissance

Between 476 and 1000 AD, peg legs and hand hooks became common prosthetics for those who could afford them.

Knights often used iron prosthetic limbs during medieval times, but these were typically more for cosmetic purposes than functional ones.

During this time, tradesmen like watchmakers improved prosthetic design with more detailed functions, using gears and springs to improve movement.

From the 1400s to the 1800s, prosthetics were primarily made from copper, iron, steel, and wood, providing durability compared to earlier materials.

In the 1500s, Ambroise Paré, a French surgeon and army barber, revolutionized prosthetics by introducing harnesses and knee-lock controls. He is known as the father of modern amputation and prosthetics.

During his time as a war surgeon, Ambroise Paré not only improved amputation techniques and survival rates but also developed functional prosthetic limbs for all parts of the body.

Using his extensive knowledge of anatomy, he designed prosthetics that mimicked the function of natural limbs closely.

He was the first to create an above-knee prosthetic with an adjustable harness and a hinge-knee with lock control—innovations still in use today.

Paré also shifted from using wood to lighter materials like leather, paper, and glue, making prosthetics more comfortable and practical.

Around 1690, Dutch surgeon Pieter Verduyn developed a lower leg prosthesis with special hinges and a leather cuff, making it easier to attach to the limb stump. Many of the innovations from Verduyn and Paré are still used in modern prosthetics.

Industrial Revolution to 20th Century

During the Industrial Revolution, prosthetics improved even more. New innovations included non-locking below-knee prosthetics, the “Anglesey leg” with catgut tendons to a steel knee joint, and surgeries that helped preserve limbs. These models were more functional and better looking than earlier versions.

Lighter materials like aluminum replaced heavier ones like steel, making prosthetics more comfortable and easier to wear.

In the 19th century, the introduction of body-powered limbs was a major breakthrough. These used cables and harnesses to copy natural movement, giving users better control.

In 1812, prosthetic arm, an innovative arm design, used straps across the opposite shoulder to control movement—kind of like how bicycle brakes work today.

The introduction of gaseous anesthesia in the 1840s allowed doctors to perform longer and more meticulous amputation surgeries, making it easier to shape the limb stump for a better fit with a prosthetic.

At the same time, improvements in sterile surgical techniques boosted the success of these operations, creating a greater demand for prosthetic limbs.

In 1863, during the American Civil War, prosthetics advanced further. The cosmetic rubber hand was introduced, featuring movable fingers and interchangeable attachments like brushes and hooks.

Demand for prosthetics surged during World War I. Mass production made them more accessible, but often at the cost of proper fit and comfort.

In 1871, the “Hanger limb,” a wooden leg with rubber at the ankle and heel cushioning, marked a shift toward reducing pain and improving comfort for amputees.

Despite rapid advances in military tech during both World Wars, prosthetics didn’t progress at the same pace.

By 1945, most limbs were still made from wood and leather. While these materials had some benefits, they were heavy and hard to clean—leather, in particular, absorbed sweat and was tough to maintain.

That same year, the National Academy of Sciences launched the Artificial Limb Program to push prosthetic research forward and begin developing more advanced and user-friendly designs.

The program was launched to support the growing number of World War II amputees and to drive progress in artificial limb development.

Since then, innovations in materials, digital design, and surgical techniques helped prosthetic limbs more realistic and functional than ever before.

By the 1970s through the 1990s, a new wave of materials came in. Plastics, resins, and carbon fiber started replacing older materials. These were lighter, easier to clean, and much more comfortable.

Synthetic sockets were now made to fit each person, making limbs feel more natural and hygienic.

21st Century and Beyond

Modern day prosthetic devices are way more advanced than before. Now, they’re built from lightweight and durable materials like plastic, aluminum, titanium, and silicone.

They’re designed to sit closer to your limb, giving a more natural fit and better comfort.

Designs now had to go beyond just replacing a lost limb. They needed to help amputees regain some of the abilities they once had.

Between 2000 and 2014, prosthetics became even more advanced and specialized. High-performance running blades were designed for athletes.

Some legs and feet can now respond to uneven ground and smart hands use sensors and microprocessors to adjust their grip.

Myoelectric prosthetics were also introduced. They use signals from your muscles to move. You just think about moving your arm or hand, and the limb follows.

3D printing has changed how prosthetics look and feel. You can choose colors, patterns, or even superhero designs to match your style. It’s no longer just about function—it’s personal.

Smart limbs now come with Bluetooth and app controls. You can track movement, adjust settings, or switch modes from your phone. Some use AI to learn how you walk and adjust themselves in real time.

Scientists are now working on brain-controlled limbs. Others are building prosthetics that send signals back to your nerves, so you can feel again. It sounds futuristic, but it's already being tested in real people.

The future of artificial limb development is already here..

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wore the first prosthetic?

The earliest known prosthetic was a wooden and leather toe worn by an Egyptian mummy over 3,000 years ago. Romans later used wooden and metal limbs after injury.

Were prosthetics used in the Civil War??

Yes, many injured soldiers used prosthetics during the Civil War. They offered some mobility, but early designs had limited function and comfort.