McKay artificial left arm

A McKay all-metal arm for a left above elbow amputation

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

A McKay all-metal arm for a left above elbow amputation
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

A McKay all-metal arm for a left above elbow amputation, designed for heavy work. Duralumin socket and forearm, connected by jointed side steels. The elbow joint operates around a metal arc with holes for six locking positions. The lock may be released and kept free by means of a crude gate-hinged device which fits onto a projecting pin on the side steel. The wrist rotary has a snap fitting mechanism, for easy removal of the hand, or any other terminal device. The eyelet holes, in the front of the socket and forearm, are for elastic laces which act as an elbow 'pick-up' and as a clothing protector. This prosthesis is fitted with an all-rubber hand and heavy-duty harness appendages. Made by McKay on 28 April 1920. N.B. The name on the arm label refers to James Morrison who had a financial interest in the McKay business. (Weight: 2.25 lbs 1.25 kg)

The socket and forearm are constructed of duralumin, a light aluminium alloy, and are connected by jointed side steels. The elbow joint operates around a metal arc with holes for six locking positions. The lock may be released and kept free by means of a crude gate-hinged device which fits onto a projecting pin on the side steel. The wrist has a snap fitting mechanism, for easy fitting and removal of the hand, or other other terminal devices. This prosthesis is also fitted with an all-rubber hand and heavy-duty harness appendages. Made by McKay on 28 April 1920. It should be noted that the name on the arm label refers to James Morrison who had a financial interest in the McKay business.

Details

Category:
Orthopaedics
Object Number:
1999-539
Materials:
duralumin, leather and textile
Measurements:
overall: 140 mm x 710 mm x 230 mm, 1.25kg
type:
artificial arm
credit:
Richmond Twickenham and Roehampton Healthcare NHS Trust