Re: Error OLD X-RAY SHOE-FITTING MACHINES ...

["Spell, Bill" <bills@deq.state.la.us>]

     Yes, I'm young enough to remember, old enough that I survived being 
fitted in this manner (I think the numbness in my feet is due to something 
else).  The best source of information on this type of x-ray is the Center 
for Devices Radiological Health (FDA).  I doubt that they have a "Historical 
Division," so you may want to start at the top......A/C 301 443-4690.

     These things were mounted on a wooden pedestal (nice finish, as I 
recall) that was somewhat shaped like an obelisk, perhaps 5 feet tall, 3 
feet on a side at the base, smaller at the top.  I believe the x-ray tube 
was in the bottom, along with power supply, etc.  The customer (patient?) 
stepped up on a platform with new shoes on the feet and inserted both feet 
into an opening at the bottom.  Remember, this was a fluoroscope, so the 
feet were between the x-ray tube and a fluorescent screen on which the image 
was formed.  At the top, there was a viewing window (shaped to reduce 
incident light from outside and probably not very sanitary over the years) 
where the customer could look down and see the toes move if he/she wiggled 
them.  On the front, there was another view window that the salesman could 
look through, and there was a long pointer, as I recall, the salesman could 
use to show the location of the side of the shoe and the side of the foot, 
or other features, such as crowding of the toes.  Wonderful concept, but 
read on.

     There was little or no shielding on these things, and customers 
received a significant gonadal dose, I understand.  Unfortunately, children 
like me at the time, were allowed to watch their feet about as long as they 
wanted to.  As a result of the high doses, most states outlawed use of them 
in the 1960s or early '70s.  Fortunately, they were gone by the time I 
started here in 1970.

     I am depending on some of the older hands out there to fill in and 
correct the above, as necessary.  Obviously, this is MY recollection, and 
when you get over 60, several things begin to disappear, memory being one of 
them.  Now let's see, where did I put my e-mail address.........oh, there it 
is.......right under my name!

Bill Spell
bills@deq.state.la.us

"My boss disavows all knowledge of my existence, and most of all, my 
opinions, whether real or imaginary."
 ----------
From: radsafe
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: Re: Error OLD X-RAY SHOE-FITTING MACHINES ...
Date: Monday, September 23, 1996 3:08PM

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     Does anyone recall the old x-ray shoe-fitting machines that were used
     in the 30's and 40's?  Apparently these machines were powerful enough
     to allow the fitter to see the bones of the feet and thus, ensure a
     good fit.  I am particularly interested in any references anyone may
     have to these machines, especially estimated doses to users.
     As others may be interested please reply to RadSafe. Thanks.
 --IMA.Boundary.578805348--