Artificial right leg, England, 1978-1981
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The plastic skin of this artificial leg has been removed to show its construction. The leg has a hydraulic knee and a ball incorporated into the ankle joint to mimic a natural walking action. First World War artificial legs were predominantly wooden. Second World War limbs were made of light metal. However, this limb uses plastic as its main structural element. This makes it lightweight for the wearer. Chas A Blatchford & Sons Ltd made this limb. The company was founded in 1890. It is still in business as Blatchford Limited.
Object number:
1981-1709
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: orthopaedics
The branch of medicine concerned with the preservation and restoration of the muscular and skeletal systems in the body.
Glossary: artificial leg
A device, either external or implanted, that substitutes for or supplements a missing or defective part of the body.