Manual of artificial limbs : an exhaustive exposition of prothesis.

  • Marks, A.A. firm.
Date:
1908
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Manual of artificial limbs : an exhaustive exposition of prothesis. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

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    the same Some admit of a large range of ankle articulation, while others limit it so that there is but very slight motion. Some have side motion; others, equally as conscientious, condemn that motion and employ only front and back motion. Being convinced by most careful study and experimentation that an artificial leg is im- proved in proportion to the abridgment of its mechanical move- ments, we dissuade all from using the side motion. Some manufacturers employ rubber for springs in the ankle and toes; others prefer steel. One method has little advantage over the other. The Ankle-Joint Eubber Foot.—Cut B 5 represents an ankle- jointed rubber foot after our preferred plan. Cut B 6 represents A. MARKS. N. Y. Cut B 5. Cut B 6. the ankle articulation in sectional view. The axis on which the foot moves consists of a bolt that passes through the foot at the ankle, connected with steel strips riveted to the lower sides of the leg. A steel spiral compression spring, one end of which is placed in a cylinder and the other, receiving a piston, is placed in the ankle in such manner as to act on the rear part of the foot, im- pinging against the front interior part of the socket, forcing the heel downward and the front of the foot upward. The articulation at the ankle is limited by the check cord placed in the rear. It is made of the strongest flexible material. This method of articula- tion can be used with wooden feet as well as rubber ones. When rubber is used it is not necessary to have a mechanical articulation at the base of the toes as the rubber itself will furnish that motion. Cut B 7 represents the ankle at extension, the foot flat on the ground when the leg is thrown forward and weight applied. Cut B 8 represents the ankle at flexion and weight applied to the toes. The Felt Foot.—Is so seldom used that it is only referred to here in order to make our descriptions complete. Its use is to be strongly condemned. Felt possesses no stability. It is an absorb- ent of moisture and lacks resiliency, and is therefore wanting in the most essential qualities that should characterize the material used in the construction of an artificial foot,