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Prosthetic Leg - Child-sized Definitive Leg, circa 1978
Reg. No: HT 17862
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- Summary:
- Prosthetic leg (transtibial prosthesis) for a child manufactured from wood and fibreglass circa 1978.
Worn by future athletic champion Don Elgin when aged 3 to 4, this is the second oldest prosthesis retained by him. He acquired it in 1978 and wore it using a strap that ran around his knee. The strap was attached to another that ran up his leg and around his waist. This prosthesis is the third that he used.
As a result of a birth defect, Elgin was born with most of his lower left leg missing, as well as a number of other defects. He was fitted with a transtibial prosthesis at the age of 1, and had learnt to walk by the time he was 18 months old.
The socket is made from poplar wood and fibreglass, with a rubber SACH (Solid Ankle, Cushion Heel) foot attached to it with a steel bolt. SACH feet were developed in 1956 and have been one of the most commonly used types of prosthetic feet since then. SACH feet contain a solid keel (central portion of the foot) which is used to provide a solid point of resistance for walking. The surrounding rubber is formed into the shape of a foot, with the heel portion made of a softer composition to assist in the walking motion. - Description:
- Leg is made of wood with an outer layer of fibreglass. The prosthesis shows considerable wear at the top front. SACH foot attached to leg with a steel bolt. There is a flesh coloured foam insert in the knee section.
- Acquisition Information:
- Donation from Don Elgin, 2006
| Discipline: | Technology |
| Dimensions: | 327 mm (Height), 67 mm (Width) |
More information
| Tagged with: | disabilities, disability technologies, prostheses, prosthetics, legs, 1 or 1 1, 1 1, 1 and 1 1, or 1 1--, order by 1000, or a a |
| Themes this item is part of: | Don Elgin, Paralympian, (1975- ), Childhood & Youth Collection, Medicine in Society Collection |
| Primary Classification: | MEDICINE & HEALTH |
| Secondary Classification: | Medical Technology |
| Tertiary Classification: | prosthetics |
| Inscriptions: | On base of foot: "3LEz/ 18" |
| Past Owner or User: | Don Elgin, Chelsea Heights, Victoria, Australia, Circa 1978 |
Themes
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