glossary

caliper

Definition caliper

caliper

caliper (caliper) n. 1. an instrument with two prongs or jaws, used for measuring diameters; used particularly in obstetrics for measuring the diameter of the pelvis. 2. (also called callper splint) a leg splint that consists of metal rods attached to a padded ring at the top of the leg, taking the weight of the body at the pelvis. Calliper splints can be used to exert *traction on a deformed or paralized leg as a part of orthopaedic treatment.