Pair of child’s leg supports, possibly French, 1601-1650

Pair of childs leg supports, iron, possibly French, 1601-1650

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Pair of childs leg supports, iron, possibly French, 1601-1650
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Pair of childs leg supports, iron, possibly French, 1601-1650

Designed to support the legs, rather than as artificial substitute, these iron supports were designed for a small child. Each leg support consists of a metal encasing the leg. This was secured by three straps: two on the lower leg and one on the lower thigh. The straps were metal or leather and attached via buckles. The supports may have been used to straighten legs damaged due to skeletal deformity or disease such as rickets. Rickets is a lack of minerals and vitamins causing the limbs to become twisted and bent.

Details

Category:
Orthopaedics
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A634413
Materials:
iron
Measurements:
overall (each): 310 mm x 90 mm x 80 mm, .55kg
type:
orthopaedic support