Gangrene, or a rapidly spreading foot abscess. Sound like diseases of the past? Well, sadly not.
Leg amputation is one of the oldest surgical procedures. The earliest known example dates back some 31,000 years. During the advent of modern surgery in the 19th century, amputation for trauma and infection was common. In the days before anaesthetic, surgeons had to be quick: Robert Liston, who was famed for his speed, could reportedly complete an amputation in 30 seconds.
