Volume 1 Wars and Chaos Chapter 54 Manufacturing Prosthetics
Niu Shiming's right foot was amputated two inches upward from the ankle. For such an injury, wearing a prosthetic leg would not affect normal walking at all.
Luo Yu looked at Niu Shiming, who was fourteen or fifteen years old. He seemed to be immersed in his own illusory world and indifferent to what was happening outside.
When Luo Yu used a small wooden stick to measure the size of his left foot, he was like an outsider, sitting on the chair indifferently.
Niu Jinda and the two old wives had tears in their eyes, and their pitiful appearance made Luo Yu heartbroken. Li Xiuning, who wore her hair in a woman's bun, silently comforted the two anxious aunts.
Luo Yu couldn't stand it anymore. Luo Yu couldn't help it. Some words were stuck in his throat and he couldn't spit them out quickly. However, in order to take Niu Shiming's face into account, he said to Niu Jinda and others: "Uncle Niu, please go and heat the beef tendons first.
I still need to calculate some sizes."
Niu Jinda understood, nodded and said, "Okay, I'll go right now." After saying that, he took his two worried wives and walked out together.
Luo Yu winked at Li Xiuning, but he didn't know if she understood the meaning.
Li Xiuning blinked, indicating that he understood, and followed the three of them out.
Luo Yu and Niu Shiming were the only two people left in the room. Luo Yu coughed, pulled a stool and sat in front of him, and said, "Do you think you are pitiful?"
Niu Shiming didn't respond, but anger was already rising in his eyes. Luo Yu struck while the iron was hot and continued: "I also feel that you are very pitiful. You are disabled at a young age. Life is worse than death..."
Niu Shiming raised his head and looked at Luo Yu with eyes as sharp as knives. If eyes could kill, Luo Yu would have been torn into pieces.
"Your father has been blaming himself for not protecting your brothers. Why wasn't he the one who died?"
Luo Yu raised his voice and continued: "But look at what you are like now. I am not worth it for your parents and brothers who have passed away. A man is so weak that he is weakened by such a small blow. Can you be worthy of them?"
Niu Shiming suppressed his anger and still did not speak, but tears flashed in his eyes.
Luo Yu said again: "Sun Bin was punished by having his knees cut out and wrote a military book handed down to the world. Taishi Gong was tortured by a palace and wrote a magnificent history, which has been passed down through the ages. If they abandon themselves like you, how can they really come up with military classics and historians' swan songs?"
Niu Shiming finally calmed down. What the man in front of him, who was no more than two or three years older than him, did make sense. If his leg was broken, wouldn’t he still have his hand? The Niu family was originally a heirloom of poetry and calligraphy. If he couldn’t go to the battlefield, he would study literature and study hard.
After more than ten years, I still can’t believe that I have no achievements.
After thinking about this, he murmured: "But when will the revenge of my eldest brother and second brother be avenged!"
Luo Yu finally heard his voice, which was hoarse and dry. He must have not spoken for a long time.
"Your eldest brother and second brother fought for the country and deserved their death. Besides, if they knew that the brother they risked their lives to protect is now so decadent, would they be able to rest in peace in heaven?"
"I was wrong. I shouldn't torture everyone who cares about me like this. Brother Luo, I heard my father say you can help me stand up. Is this true?"
Niu Shiming was finally awakened by Luo Yu's words. He was only fourteen or fifteen years old. It was understandable that he would take advantage of the situation when he encountered great changes. If this situation dragged on for another two or three years and no one came to relieve him, his life would be ruined.
Luo Yu smiled and said: "Not only can I help you stand up, but I can also help you run and jump freely. But you have to endure a lot of hardships in the early stage. Can you persevere?"
Niu Shiming looked at Luo Yu in disbelief and shouted: "Really? As long as you can stand up again, no matter how much hardship you endure!"
Luo Yu said: "Okay, don't get too excited. I'm going to do some work first. I'll call your mother and the others to come over." After saying that, he turned around, opened the door and went out.
Several people outside were waiting at the patio. When they saw Luo Yu coming out, they hurriedly greeted them. Luo Yu nodded to them and said, "Two aunties, go and accompany Shi Ming. My nephew and Uncle Niu are going to make prosthetic limbs."
The two of them hurriedly thanked Luo Yu, and then quickly entered Niu Shiming's room. Then they heard the sounds of painful crying and consolation.
Luo Yu pulled Li Xiuning to Niu Jinda who was cooking beef tendon. He cut the steel bars he prepared according to size and fixed them with thin wires. In a short time, he made a foot-shaped frame.
Naturally, Niu Jinda also followed Luo Yu's steps to do the other one. Because Niu Shiming only injured his right foot, both of them did the right-foot rack, which saved a lot of things. Li Xiuning blinked and looked at it with big eyes.
Face of pride.
Then put the prepared steel frame into the prepared wooden box of suitable size and three inches higher, then pour the hot beef tendon and poke it with a steel bar a few times to prevent air bubbles from appearing in the middle.
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After everything is poured, put the lid on. The shape of the bottom of the lid is also imprinted from the severed part of Niu Shiming's right foot. It will be molded to fit the cut surface of the wound.
Niu Jinda's one was also done, and now he could only wait for the beef tendon to slowly cool down. During this time, Luo Yu had to explain to Niu Jinda the precautions for making the prosthesis.
This beef tendon will harden after it cools down, and will wear out if you walk a lot, so it is a consumable item. Niu Jinda needs to learn how to make it, and will teach Niu Shiming in the future.
When the hardened beef tendon comes into contact with the cut surface of the wound, it will naturally cause pain. It will be very painful at first, so Luo Yu made special instructions to Niu Shiming.
Almost half an hour later, Luo Yu opened the wooden box, and a translucent beef tendon foot about one foot high appeared in front of him. It was so lifelike that the steel frame inside could be vaguely seen.
Luo Yu took a dagger, cut off the burrs, and polished the burrs with a burlap cloth. He then dipped the fine linen cloth in vegetable oil and rubbed it all over again. A prosthetic leg that looked real was ready.
Niu Jinda did not follow Luo Yu in unpacking the other wooden box this time. He would save that one for next time. He had to remember how Luo Yu polished it.
Li Yuan and Li Shimin also rushed over after finishing their military affairs. They were curious about the prosthetic limbs Luo Yu mentioned.
After several people greeted them, Li Yuan said: "Xian son-in-law, how is the progress?"
Luo Yu returned the greeting and said: "Master Taishan, my son-in-law is lucky enough to live up to his fate. Do you think he looks like him?"
Li Yuan and his son looked at the prosthetic limb in Luo Yu's hand, their eyes widened. Li Yuan exclaimed: "If you didn't say it was made of beef tendon, you really wouldn't know it was fake. Where is Shi Ming? Hurry up and install it for him and try it.
.”
Luo Yu hurriedly said: "Master Taishan, my son-in-law has a request. It may be more painful to touch the injured area during the first fitting. It is better for my son-in-law to go over first and inform Shi Ming of the precautions."
Li Yuan said: "Go ahead, we will wait here."
After Luo Yu saluted, he hurried into Niu Shiming's house with the tendons and legs in his arms. Then his two mothers also exited, closed the door and went to Niu Jinda's side. After meeting the Li family and his son, they waited anxiously together.
Luo Yu wrapped the section of Niu Shiming's broken foot with a thin layer of soft cloth, and slowly put the prosthesis on. There was a space of about three or four inches reserved on the top, which could be close to his calf for fixation.
The role of prosthetics.
This is the experimental stage now, so there is no need to tie it up. Once you get used to it, you will need to use cloth strips to reinforce it. Running and jumping will not be a problem.
Niu Shiming raised his foot and tried the weight. It felt very suitable. He was very happy. Without waiting for Luo Yu to speak, he immediately stepped on the ground with his right foot. However, when the cross section of the wound came into contact with the prosthesis, he exhaled in pain, and then again
He immediately sat back on the bed.
When the people outside heard his cries of pain, their hearts were in their throats. The two mothers stood up and were about to go over, but Niu Jinda held him back.
Luo Yu had already guessed that this would be the result. He stretched out his hand to support Niu Shiming who was about to fall down and said, "Don't be too anxious. Take your time. Although it has been two years since your wound was scabbed, it has not been able to bear your pain anymore."
The weight, coupled with the fact that the beef tendons harden after cooling down, of course it will hurt.”
Niu Shiming tried not to scream anymore and just stood up. He felt that it was nothing serious to suffer a little.
So I slowly stood up with my left foot as the center of gravity, and tentatively touched the ground with my right foot. I slowly moved my center of gravity to the right until I could bear the pain.
He held the stool with his right hand and used a little strength to hold on for a cup of tea. His whole body was soaked with sweat, as if he had been fished out of water.
It was already midnight, and it seemed that it was not as hot as the previous few days, but it was still uncomfortable to stay in the room. Seeing that he was sweating profusely, Luo Yu poured a cup of tea for him to drink, and said to use it.
Things to note about this beef tendon prosthesis.
After another cup of tea, he gradually got used to the weight on his right foot, but it was still far from enough to walk.
The force when we walk is continuous. We must first lift the foot and then put it down. At the same time, there is also a forward or backward oblique force. The cutoff point of Niu Shiming's foot is located two inches above the ankle.
This place happens to be the stress point of the oblique force, so he not only has to bear the impact force up and down, but also the push and pull force from the front and back. The pain can be imagined.
Seeing that he was able to stand firmly, Luo Yu said: "Now you lower your right foot and step forward slowly, feel where the weight of your body is pressing, and then modify the curvature inside."
Niu Shiming nodded, slowly lifted his right foot, lifted it three points off the ground, and stepped forward. The moment it hit the ground, severe pain hit him, but he gritted his teeth and persisted without shouting. Veins popped up in his neck.
The nails of his right hand scratched a few shallow marks on the wooden bench.
Luo Yu admired him in his heart. The people in the Niu family are all tough guys. He said softly: "The pain you feel is because after you lift your foot, there is a slight gap between the wound section and the contact surface of the prosthetic limb. In addition, due to the forward thrust, I followed you from the beginning.
I told you, it was very painful in the early stage, how about it, can you persist?"
Niu Shiming took a deep breath, drank the tea handed over by Luo Yu, nodded and said: "Thank you, brother-in-law, for your encouragement. I can persevere. Compared with the feeling of dying in bed, this little pain is nothing."
After saying that, he gritted his teeth and retracted his right foot, and stretched it out again. This time it was much better, he didn't grit his teeth again, but he sweated more.
He practiced non-stop for an hour. During this period, Luo Yu reported the situation outside and brought some food and water in. Niu Shiming had to replenish his strength and water, otherwise he would not be able to persist.
Chen Shi passed slowly like this. Li Xiuning came to the window to take a look, and said softly to Luo Yu: "Husband, lunch has been arranged. When will you be ready?"
Luo Yu glanced at Niu Shiming, who could move forward and backward slowly, and said to Li Xiuning: "The results have been seen at noon today. Brother Shiming can go out to have lunch by himself."
When Niu Shiming heard what Luo Yu said, he walked step by step to the door, opened the door, and walked out under the surprised eyes of Li Yuan and others.
He seemed to have not seen the sun for a long time, and his face was a little pale. Today's sunshine was not very dazzling, but he was stimulated to tears.
Niu Jinda wanted to step over to help him, but when he saw him standing firmly at the door, with tears streaming down his face, he resisted the urge to step forward, and at the same time reached out to hold the two wives who were about to rush forward.
They were so happy that they forgot to cry. Luo Yu had actually accomplished such a thing. Feeling grateful, they saluted Li Yuan again.
Li Yuan laughed and said: "Shi Ming's nephew can stand up and walk as usual again. Xiao Yu should be the first to do it. I will get a good son-in-law, and you will get a good nephew, hahaha..."
Niu Jinda also laughed and said: "Yes, yes, where is Xiao Yu? Come and have a few drinks with us at noon."
Li Xiuning's voice came from the door: "Father, Uncle Niu, today's protagonist is Shi Ming, please don't make my husband drink any more!"
This statement caused everyone to laugh again. Li Xiuning pulled Luo Yu to Li Shimin's side and watched Niu Shiming move towards Niu Jinda and his wife.
Niu Shiming walked forward slowly. Although it was still a little painful, he could bear it. He came to Niu Jinda and the others, and in the eyes of everyone's concern, he cupped his hands and said: "My child is not sensible, and I have made my parents worry about it. I still have to worry about it today."
It is inconvenient for me to perform the full ceremony, but I hope my parents can feel my child’s heart, and I will definitely work hard in the future to repay the kindness of my hard work in raising him.”
Niu Jinda reached out and patted Niu Shiming's shoulder. He was very relieved and said with a smile: "Okay, okay, you are worthy of the descendants of my Niu family."
The two mothers wanted to help him, but Niu Shiming said: "Mothers, you have worked hard these years. Don't worry, the children have grown up, and they will definitely honor you two in the future."
The two mothers wept with joy, wanting to help but not daring to do so. Their helpless look was heartbreaking.
Li Yuan smiled and said: "Everyone is happy now, Jin Da, it suddenly dawned on me that I still have a burning knife, let's go! I won't come back until I'm drunk!"
Everyone laughed after hearing this, and the two drunkards got drunk again.
Luo Yu was not so lucky. As soon as he left the gate of Niu Mansion, Zhang Yang came to look for him. Seeing how he hesitated to speak, something big must have happened somewhere.
Under such circumstances, can we go south to Jiandong with peace of mind?