An amputee is a person who has lost an arm, a leg, a hand, a foot, or another body part, either through surgery or an accident.

People become amputees for different reasons. Sometimes doctors must amputate a limb to save a person's life when an injury is too severe to heal, when an infection spreads dangerously, or when a disease like cancer affects the bone or tissue. Other times, people lose limbs in accidents. Some people are born missing a limb or part of one.

Modern prosthetics (artificial limbs) have become incredibly advanced. Many amputees use prosthetic legs to walk, run, and even compete in sports like track and field. Prosthetic arms and hands help people write, cook, and do everyday tasks. Some athletes who are amputees have set world records and competed in the Paralympics and the Olympics.

Being an amputee means adapting to a new way of doing things. Throughout history and today, amputees have been teachers, soldiers, artists, scientists, and athletes.