Body brace, consisting of three sets of tan and brown leather buckled straps connected to a painted metal brace with three pivot points, and attached at the bottom to a pair of black leather lace-up shoes; the top strap is wider than the other two and supports the pelvis; an oval piece of pink perf…
Body brace, consisting of three sets of tan and brown leather buckled straps connected to a painted metal brace with three pivot points, and attached at the bottom to a pair of black leather lace-up shoes; the top strap is wider than the other two and supports the pelvis; an oval piece of pink perforated plastic has been sewn to this portion and was likely added after the brace was constructed; the pelvis support is reinforced with canvas; cloth adhesive tape reinforces the middle straps and the inner edges of the brace.
Number Of Parts
1
Provenance
Originally owned and used by donor's great-aunt, Florence Welsh, who was born circa 1900 and was physically challenged from birth; lived in Eastern Ontario.
Dates
1920
circa 1920
Date Remarks
Based on appearance of attached shoes and age of original owner.
Material
leather: black; brown; tan; cream
metal: silver
fabric: cream
plastic: pink
paint: grey
Inscriptions
None.
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0007
0007-E2-5
Dimension Notes
Length 100.5 cm x Width 39.0 cm x Depth 26.0 cm
Condition Remarks
All parts show signs of heavy use; both shoelaces have been broken and tied together again; the brace was dusty; no signs of active mildew or corrosion, and moving parts move freely; the paint on the metal parts is flaking considerably over approximately 75% of the surface; #2: (detailed condition report by Queen's University Dept. of Conservation in donor file).
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Person
Internet
JPG
Reference Comments
Roger Bryant; Connie Cox, ret. RN; "Illustrated Catalogue and Price List of Max Wocher and Son," by Max Wocher & Son, 189-, p. 229 (similar to #2389); Yahoo! Health Web Page: www.yahoo.com (see attached photocopies); Campbell, James H., "Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses," In "Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation," Boston, 2000, pp 205-215; CD #8
Research Facts
In later years, the original owner used a motorized scooter to get around; possibly had spina bifida; see attached photocopy; the brace supports the hips, pelvis, and lower back of the user, moving down to the lower extremities of the body, supporting both upper and lower portions of the legs, including knees, down to the feet; this type of brace is commonly called a "hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis" and is referred to as "HKFO" in textbooks and medical journals.