Shoe-fitting fluoroscope

Shoe-fitting fluoroscope

This medical device related article is a stub.

The shoe-fitting fluoroscope was a medical device used in the early to mid-20th century to assist in the fitting of shoes. It was essentially a fluoroscope that allowed the user to view the bones of the feet inside a shoe, ensuring a proper fit.

History

The shoe-fitting fluoroscope was invented in the 1920s by Clarence Karrer. It became popular in shoe stores across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada during the 1930s and 1940s.

Design and Function

The device consisted of a wooden cabinet containing an X-ray tube and a fluorescent screen. Customers would place their feet inside the cabinet, and the device would emit X-rays to create an image of the feet inside the shoes. This image was visible on the screen, allowing both the customer and the shoe fitter to see the alignment of the bones and the fit of the shoe.

Health Concerns

By the 1950s, concerns about the radiation exposure from shoe-fitting fluoroscopes began to surface. Studies indicated that the devices emitted significant levels of ionizing radiation, which could pose health risks to both customers and shoe store employees. As a result, the use of shoe-fitting fluoroscopes declined, and they were eventually phased out.

Regulatory Actions

In response to the health concerns, various government agencies began to regulate the use of shoe-fitting fluoroscopes. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health departments issued guidelines and restrictions on their use. By the 1970s, most shoe-fitting fluoroscopes had been removed from stores.

Legacy

The shoe-fitting fluoroscope is now considered an example of a historical medical device that was eventually deemed unsafe. It serves as a reminder of the importance of radiation safety and the need for proper regulation of medical technology.

See Also

• Fluoroscopy
• Radiation protection
• History of medical devices

External Links

• [Link to historical images of shoe-fitting fluoroscopes]