ARTIFICIAL LIMB FOR DISARTICULATION AT THE HIP JOINT

Attempts have been made to attach to the pelvis, by means of a waist belt or braces, a wooden artificial limb whose upper end is fitted directly on to the tuberosity of the ischium. So far these have met with little success. In our opinion, the only really practical method is to enclose the whole stump and pelvis in a regular corset, and to attach the artificial limb to this corset.[8]

The moulding of this corset upon the stump must be accurate.

The tuberosity of the ischium is the only bony point in the stump upon which pressure can be taken. The corset may be made of leather, but, until a new order is issued, the material of choice is celluloid, moulded upon a plaster of Paris cast, in spite of the disadvantage mentioned on page 4.

The limb is an articulated peg leg, with convertible knee joint and double lock, exactly the same as in the limb for amputation through the thigh.

It is attached to the pelvis (i.e. to the tilting table), as shown in figures 100 and 101, by a joint with a double anterior lock, which allows the patient to sit down by flexing the hip.

This general description and an examination of figures 100 and 101 will suffice to explain this appliance. It is comparatively rarely required, and its construction is difficult; we consider that the forms shown in the illustrations are the best. It is only possible to fit such an appliance when the conditions are good, when the scar is above and in front of the ischium, and when the latter is well covered.