Child's adjustable metal lower leg iron, with shoe, England, 1940-1960
Polio and rickets are two conditions that can cause the leg bones of children to become deformed. Fixed to the child’s leg using the leather straps, the leg iron was used to encourage bones to grow straight. A shoe, which is adjustable in height for when the child grows, is attached so the leg iron can be worn outside and with comfort. The leg iron was used at the Lord Mayor Treloar Orthopaedic Hospital in Alton, Hampshire, England. Founded in 1908, the hospital specialised in treating children with orthopaedic conditions – primarily caused by tuberculosis and polio.
Object number:
2002-329
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: leg
No description.
Glossary: rickets
A condition caused by a lack of vitamin D. Characterized by soft and deformed bones, which can lead to an increased number of injuries.
Glossary: splint
A rigid device of plastic, wood or plaster that serves to immobilize or support an injury. Generally strapped alongside an injured limb.
Glossary: polio
An infectious disease affecting the central nervous system. Affected individuals can exhibit a range of symptoms if the polio virus enters the blood stream.