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Buxom’s Model Hip Prosthesis (Down Bros and Mayer and Phelps)

Health Sciences · Robert W. Jackson Arthroscopy · Robert W. Jackson Collection · UTSIC

A white cardboard box with an off-white label on the lid contains two pieces: a hip prosthesis made primarily of clear Perspex and a second component made of opaque white plastic.

The prosthesis consists of a “ball” element attached to a tapered “femoral” stem. The prosthesis is a single solid piece. A metal stem is visible within the clear stem. A pattern of metal wires are visible within the clear ball element. These are x-ray markers that will indicate whether the device has rotated following installation.

The second component has a curved face opposite a textured face.

Accession Number: 2023.JAC.283

Alternative Name:

Primary Materials:

Perspex (Acrylic), White Plastic of unknown composition.

Markings:

The label on the lid of the box includes the following information: “BUXTON’S MODEL// PERSPEX HIP PROSTHESIS// WITH X-RAY UMBRELLA// SHALLOW GROOVED STEM// HEAD 45mm. STEM 80mm.// GUTTER 36mm.”

Stamped on a portion of the metal reinforcement that is visible within the clear ball: “45”, “7 cm”, “DOWN-MAYER”, “PAT. PEND”.

Dimensions (cm):

Box: Height = 5.2. Width = 11.5, Length = 5.5.

Function:

This prosthesis appears similar in form and purpose to the Judet acrylic prosthesis. It is installed transversally through the lateral cortex of the femur. (Miller 2002, 214)

Condition:

Both elements of prosthesis appears to be unused and undamaged.

Associated Instruments:

Manufacturer:

Down Bros and Mayer and Phelps Ltd., London, UK.

Date of Manufacture: Mid 20th c.

Provenance:

The Robert W. Jackson Arthroscopy Collection was acquired by the University of Toronto from Dr. Jackson’s family on November 12th, 2020.

Additional Information and References:

Dane Miller. “Orthopaedic product technology during the second half of the twentieth century.” IN The Evolution of Orthopaedic Surgery. 211-225. Edited by Leslie Klenerman. London: Royal Society of Medicine Press, 2002.

Historical Notes:

Themes:
Flags:
  • Donated to UTSIC