Double iron calliper boots

Circa 1940

School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago

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The pair of child’s boots with iron callipers (or calipers; US) on display are typical of those used to prevent contractures of the lower limb muscles following lower limb paralysis secondary due to polio. The wearing of these boots must have had some psychological effect on children suffering from polio. The sheer weight of these boots must also have had some physical impact on these children.