Artificial left leg, Europe, 1900-1940
A mixture of wood, leather and light metal was used to construct this artificial leg. It was made for someone who had their leg amputated above the knee. The calf and foot of the leg are made from an alloy of aluminium. This is lightweight but durable. The thigh socket is made from mahogany with a perforated metal cover. This allows air to circulate so the wearer will not get too hot. The foot of the leg is shaped as if wearing a shoe. It gives the leg a more realistic appearance.
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Techniques and Technologies:
Removal of part of, or a whole limb by surgery. Used to control pain or the spread of disease in the affected limb.
Artificial body parts, or materials inserted into tissue for functional, cosmetic, or therapeutic effect. Prostheses can be functional (artificial arms and legs), or cosmetic (artificial eye).
Glossary: artificial leg
A device, either external or implanted, that substitutes for or supplements a missing or defective part of the body.