OBSERVATIONS ON FRACTURES OF THE MANDIBLE

Abstract

Probably no fracture in the body is less understood or, as a general rule, worse treated than fracture of the mandible. The usual information given in surgical textbooks as to the practical management of these cases is vague, and consequently the surgeon, when confronted with a fractured lower jaw, is usually at a loss what to do. He either attempts to treat it with a head bandage, or passes the responsibility to a dentist with the request that a splint be made. Occasionally, and worst of all, he tries direct fixation of the fragments by plating or wiring. For these reasons, among others, it has been considered timely to report some observations made in thirtyone consecutive cases of fracture of the mandible recently under our care at the University of Pennsylvania. Of thirty-one cases, twenty-nine were in men and two in women. LOCATION The location of