L – Leg Braces 

Boston Children’s Hospital operated its own surgical appliance shop – better known as the “brace shop” – from 1882 until the 1960s. Here, braces and other mobility aids would have been custom made for orthopedic patients, like those recovering from polio. The braces on display here were used in the 1960s by a patient with cerebral palsy.  

In the mid 20th century, after being fitted for braces or other devices, patients would work in the “functional room” with physical therapists to relearn and practice everyday activities. The functional room even had a life-size mock bus to practice boarding, and a working traffic light, for practice crossing the street within time limits. Other functional activities might include ascending and descending stairs, ramps and curbs; sitting and rising from chairs with and without arms; and using a variety of appliances in a mock kitchen.