ARTIFICIAL LIMBS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25135, 28 January 1943, Page 6

ARTIFICIAL LIMBS

ISSUE TO SOLDIERS COMPLETE ARRANGEMENTS (Special) AUCKLAND, Jan. 27. What are described as complete arrangements have been made for the free issue of artificial limbs to returned soldiers of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. who have suffered amputation of legs or arms. Duplicate artificial limbs are given each case, and arrangements have also been made for authorised firms to maintain and repair the limbs free of charge to the soldier. A number of the men who have been sent back from the Middle East have had to undergo amputation of limbs. A soldier at present in the military hospital in the Auckland Domain has lost both legs. In some cases it is doubtful if artificial limbs can be fitted. One soldier who was apparently riding in the driver’s seat of a truck, with his arm along the back of the seat behind the man next him, lost his arm to its socket when a shell hit and killed the other man and went on through the truck. Orthopaedic surgeons of the various hospital centres in New Zealand are consulted about the possibility of an artificial limb being fitted, and they also give their opinion of the time when fitting can take place, having regard for the, condition of the remainder of the limb.

When it is considered that a man can be fitted, he is sent to Wellington for fitting and issue. Measurements of the limb precede him, so there will be no delay after he gets there. Issue is made by the War Pensions Board, and the limbs are described as being fully modern in type, restoring to the injured leg or arm as many .of its normal functions as are possible. The men are encouraged to use both the artificial limbs given them to an equal degree. It has been found in the past that if a man neglects to use one of the limbs until the other has to be repaired the change will cause him considerable discomfort.