Amputation, which refers to the removal of a limb by trauma, medical illness, or surgery, is more common than you might think. In the US alone, there are around 185,000 cases per year, and it is estimated that there will be around 3.6 million amputees in the country by 2050.
Indeed, amputation by surgery is often used to control pain, or to control or prevent disease. And it might surprise you to learn that there are a number of celebrities who have lost one or more limbs, often as part of a surgical procedure.
Check out this gallery to find out which famous figures are amputees.