Lower limb prostheses, Roehampton, England, 1966

A pair of lower limb prostheses for a Thalidomide affected child who was born with complete absence of upper limbs (amelia) and phocomelic lower limbs (absent femora, absent tibiae. Fibulae and feet present with additional toes). Blocked leather sockets, embracing both hips and buttocks, open ended to allow the natural feet to hang free. Well padded rigid pelvic bands. Non-jointed dural side struts to wooden feet with imitation shoe covering. Soles are completely flat to aid balance. Note the valve housings on both sockets, these were positioned to permit the natural toes to control valves which operated CO2 wrist rotation units and terminal devices on her upper limb prostheses. A CO2 gas cylinder is located in the left prosthesis. Made by Hanger in 1966.

Collection

Science Museum

Inventory Number

3161037

Title

Lower limb prostheses, Roehampton, England, 1966

Object Type

PhysicalObject

Measurements

- overall: 640 mm x 370 mm x 20 mm,