Acrotomophilia is a fetish where an individual has a strong sexual preference for amputees. It comes from the Greek words akron, meaning extremity, tomos, meaning "a cut," and philia, which means love.
Acrotomophilia is sometimes known by the term amelotatism. Acrotomophiles are often called devotees. Most are male, although there are some female acrotomophiles.
Acrotomophiles typically prefer sexual partners with leg amputations over arm amputations. Most also prefer single amputees over double amputees, and partners with a stump left after amputation over those without a stump.
While the original use of the word acrotomophilia described a fetish for amputees, some people use the term to describe anyone with a strong sexual preference for partners with any type of physical disability, such as paralysis or spasticity.
It's not clear how acrotomophilia develops, although some academics believe this sexual interest may develop subconsciously during childhood.
Acrotomophilia should not be confused with apotemnophilia, which sees individuals becoming aroused at the thought of becoming an amputee. This preference is also related to teratophilia, which describes a sexual preference for deformed individuals.
Many acrotomophiles live happy, healthy lives, especially with disabled partners. Acrotomophiles rarely undergo treatment, although this may occur if their fantasies lead to obsessive behavior.
