This socket is particularly suitable for short stumps. The inner socket, being made of stiff leather, practically lengthens the stump, giving increased leverage, a condition greatly to be desired in such cases. It is also a very great relief to tender and sensitive stumps; the slipping and rubbing occasioned more or less in walking on an artificial leg, takes place with this attachment between the inner spring socket and the outer wood socket; the pressure of the springs keeping the inner socket snugly against the stump in all positions, precludes the possibility of any friction on the stump.
For stumps that become swollen in hot weather, or that require extra covering in cool weather, or for such as have never used an artificial leg, with the consequent probability of the stump rapidly reducing, this inner socket may be made adjustable by lacing.
While this is undoubtedly the most suitable and comfortable socket for very short and sensitive stumps, some prefer the highly polished wooden socket, and others the adjustable leather lacing socket. All purchasers of the Walkeasy leg have their choice of socket; the selection should be influenced by the length and condition of the stump, the weight and occupation of the wearer, and other considerations. In all cases we guarantee a comfortable socket and one that will not chafe.
New Adjustable Leather Lacing Socket
This new socket is for amputation below the knee. The adjustment is made at the back of the socket instead of at the front, as in the lacing sockets heretofore made. The improvement is so marked that the wonder is we did not make the change earlier. Much of the weight on the stump is taken just where the socket was previously made to open, and it was necessary to reinforce the lacing with a strap. When laced in the back of socket the front is stronger, more comfortable, and dresses more smoothly; furthermore, there is more shrinkage of a stump in the calf than in front; and in being able to make the adjustment in the back part of the socket, it is kept nearer the shape that will conform to the shape of the stump than when laced in front. This socket is illustrated in the various engravings representing legs for below the knee amputation. See frontispiece, No. 204, No. 227 and No. 228.
Part II
In this part we give descriptions and illustrations of ordinary styles of legs, such as we have made here—with various modifications and improvements, as suggested by time, wear and experience—for forty-five years. Excepting the Walkeasy leg, described in Part I, there are no better nor more reliable artificial limbs made anywhere by anyone, and the prices are much below those charged by other manufacturers.
The various styles are:
Wooden foot with ball-and-socket ankle joint and wooden socket.