LSN has developed a series of informational pamphlets to help fill the enormous information gap, most evident in mine-affected countries.  Aimed primarily at amputees, the pamphlets cover a broad range of issues, from what to expect immediately after the surgery to getting back to work to advocating for human rights.

Although the intended audience for the pamphlets are LSN Outreach Workers and the amputees they work with, readers in countries not affected by landmines may also find the pamphlets useful.

The printed pamphlets are available in several languages: English, Amharic, Arabic, Bosnian, Portuguese, Spanish, Tigrigna, and Vietnamese. English versions are available in PDF format for download below.

To order the complete set of Surviving Limb Loss pamphlets, or if you have comments or suggestions related to these materials, please contact LSN.

The publication of these pamphlets was supported by grant number CCE324953 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC.





Amputation Surgery (.PDF 1.8 MB)
Why people have amputations, what to expect, do’s and don’ts during recovery

Pain After Amputation (.PDF 976 KB)
Types of pain, their causes, and ways to alleviate them

Wrapping Your Residual Limb (.PDF 972 KB)
Why and how to wrap the residual limb

Infection Prevention (.PDF 1.2 MB)
How to prevent, recognize and treat infections

Emotions After Limb Loss (.PDF 1.7 MB)
Positive ways to deal with emotions people experience with limb loss

Prosthetics (PDF 1 MB)
Frequently asked questions and advice about prosthetics from others who have lost limbs

Physical Rehabilitation (.PDF 1.4 MB)
Tips to help you recover from surgery, prepare for a prosthesis and relearn to walk

Getting Back to Work (.PDF 1.4 MB)
Stories from people who returned to work after amputation

Rights and Responsibilities (.PDF 1.2 MB)
What they are, and why you should understand them

Information for Families (.PDF 1.8 MB)
For families and friends, to better understand how to help

Arm Amputation (.PDF 488 KB)
What to expect, and the types of prostheses that are available

Children with Limb Loss (.PDF 628 KB)
For families and friends, to better understand how to help.

Diabetes and Cardio Vascular Disease (.PDF 348 KB)
Steps you can take to improve your health if you’ve lost a limb to diabetes or vascular disease.


LSN would like to thank the landmine survivors from Bosnia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Jordan, and Mozambique who helped to develop these materials, and the many rehabilitation professionals who participated in the process. We gratefully acknowledge the support we received from the USAID’s Leahy War Victims Fund.