Clover's lithotomy crutch, London, England, 1860-1904

Clover's lithotomy crutch with rigid cross bar between two adjustable leg straps, leather covered, by Krohne and Sesemann, c. 1890

This device was used to hold a patient in position during a lithotomy operation. The patient would lie facing upwards with their buttocks positioned at the end of the operating table. The hips and knees were fully bent and the feet were locked in position using a crutch. This example is made from steel with leather padding and was invented by Joseph Clover (1825-1885), a surgeon and anaesthetist. Clover became an expert at lithotomy procedures and also invented a number of other instruments to aid his work.