Artificial leg, Roehampton, England, 1961

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Longer
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Longer
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Longer, non-articulated legs for a 4 year old girl who was born with bilateral above elbow stumps and absence of both lower limbs (amelia). 'Rocker' ends have been fitted. Made by Hanger in 1961.

These artificial legs were made for a four year old girl born with a condition called amelia. This is an absence of both lower limbs. The legs are non-articulated which means they do not bend at the knee so walking with these prostheses would have been difficult. At the feet 'rocker' ends have been added. This was to aid walking and compensate for the rigid legs.

The prostheses were made in 1961 by Hanger, a company based at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton in west London. Hanger were one of a number of American companies who during the First World War set up workshops at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton, the main centre for limb-fitting in Britain; the existing British limb-making industry was unable to cater for the large number of soldier amputees.

Details

Category:
Orthopaedics
Object Number:
1999-505
Materials:
plastic, leather and metal
Measurements:
overall: 540 mm x 320 mm x 200 mm,
type:
artificial leg
credit:
Richmond Twickenham and Roehampton Healthcare NHS Trust