Recent examinations of a 2500-year-old preserved body found in frozen soil in Siberia revealed that the woman endured a severe head injury, prompting surgical intervention to reconstruct her jaw and the installation of a primitive prosthetic limb. This discovery may represent the earliest known instance of such surgical practices in historical literature. The artificial limb, made from horsehair and animal tendons, was designed to aid in the restoration of her joint function.

The remains are attributed to a woman who died at the age of 25-30 and belonged to the 'Pazyryk' culture, a nomadic Iron Age group known for their well-preserved mummies found in the Altai region of Southern Siberia. Initial examinations conducted upon the mummy's discovery in 1994 did not reveal the surgical modifications; however, subsequent CT scans carried out by researchers from Novosibirsk State University allowed for a detailed analysis that reconstructed the ancient surgical outcomes without damaging the remains.

This finding not only provides insights into the medical practices of ancient civilizations but also raises questions about the understanding and capabilities of surgery during this era. The inventory of techniques used for reconstructive purposes centuries ago highlights a sophisticated approach to medicine that was previously undocumented, thereby enriching our knowledge of historical healthcare practices and the evolution of prosthetic technologies.