From the surgical to the mechanical art : a treatise on the manufacture of artificial limbs.

Date:
1892
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: From the surgical to the mechanical art : a treatise on the manufacture of artificial limbs. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    16/44 (page 5)
    DESCRIPTION OF FULL LENGTH LEG. Fig. 4. The articular surfaces of the joints are steel bolts working in smooth leather sockets. The knee joint consists of steel brace joints H rivetted firmly to each side of the lower leg ; the upper ends being hollow, articulate in sockets at each side of the knee, and are easily adjusted in case of wear. The hollow bolt A forms the ankle joint attached to the leg by two steel bolts C, making a thoroughly reliable joint. It ar- ticulates the block G, admitting of motions the same as the Tibia and Fibula with the Astragalus in the natural leg. The block G forms the upper part of the foot and produces the side or lateral motion, rolling in the same manner and effect as the astragalus ; its articular surface under- neath is at the centre of the block and foot, and is semi-circular in form. Fig. 4. The joints have greater bearing sur- faces ; are stronger and more reliable than those of any other con- struction. The}' are absolutely life-like, moving with the greatest ease and elasticity. The heel cord D (a sub- stitute for the tendon Achilles) controls the forward motion, and retains the elevation of the body on the ball of the foot when walking. The spring E is connected at the knee and block G and acts as foot and knee spring. SECTIONAL VIEW OF FULL LENGTH LEG.