Tool - Cranioclast used by Dr Michael Kloss

Historical information

A cranioclast was used to crush and extract the skull of a fetus to aid delivery in cases of difficult and obstructed labour.

This instrument was part of a collection of instruments used by Dr Michael Kloss in his medical practice. Dr Kloss subsequently donated this collection to the College.

Physical description

Metal cranioclast. Instrument consists of two arms that join together with a pin. When joined, the arms wrap around each other for extra strength. Each arm has a handle for grip, and there is a ratchet with a wingnut at the end of the handles for widening the aperture between the arms and locking the arms in place. Each arm of the instrument is engraved with the word 'Kloss'.

Inscriptions & markings

'Kloss'

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