Part 32
In fracture of the lower jaw, when the bone is not fairly broken across,
and is still partially retained, but displaced, it should be adjusted
by introducing the fingers at the side of the tongue, and making suitable
counter-pressure on the outside; and if the teeth at the wound be
distorted and loosened, when the bone is adjusted, they should be
connected together, not only two, but more of them, with a gold thread,
if possible, but otherwise, with a linen thread, until the bone be
consolidated, and then the part is to be dressed with cerate, a few
compresses, and a few bandages, which should not be very tight, but
rather loose. For it should be well known that in fracture of the
jaw, dressing with bandages, if properly performed, is of little advantage,
but occasions great mischief if improperly done. Frequent examinations
should be made about the tongue, and prolonged pressure should be
applied with the fingers, in order to rectify the displaced bone.
It would be best if one could do so constantly, but that is impossible.