Clover's lithotomy crutch, London, England, 1860-1904
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.
Object number:
A610425
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: lithotomy crutch
to hold the patient in the lithotomy position
Glossary: lithotomy
The operation of cutting stones from the hollow organs, such as the kidney or bladder.