Palm splint device for maintaining fingers in an extended position, from the Lord Mayor Treloar Orthopaedic Hospital, Alton, Hampshire, England, 1960-80

Splints are used to prevent bones moving after an accident or because of disease and encourage them to grow correctly. This one was worn on the hand. Made from leather and reinforced with metal, the splint was designed to keep the fingers in an extended position.

It was used at the Lord Mayor Treloar Orthopaedic Hospital in Alton, Hampshire, England, a hospital set up in 1908 to treat children with a range of orthopaedic conditions and physical disabilities. The hospital combined treatment with education and schooling.