FRACTURES. 



233 



Fig. 257.— Splint for Fracture of the Lower Maxillary. 



crepitation, and frequently paralysis of the under lip. But al- 

 though the aspect of an animal suffering mth a complete and 

 often compound and comminuted fracture of the submaxilla pre- 

 sents at times a frightful spectacle, the prognosis of the case is 

 comparatively simple, and recovery usually only a question of 

 time. The severity of the lesion corresponds in degree with that 

 of the violence to which it is due, the degree of simphcity or the 

 amoiint of compUcation, and with the situation of the wound. It 

 is simple when at the symphysis, but becomes more serious when 

 it affects one of the branches, to be again aggravated when both 

 are involved. Fracture of the coronoid process becomes import- 

 ant princij)ally as an evidence of the existence of a morbid diathe- 

 sis, such as osteoporosis, or the like. 



The particular seat of the injury, with its special features, will 

 of course determine the treatment. For a simple fracture without 

 displacement, provided there is no laceration of the periosteum, 

 an ordinary supporting bandage will usually be sufficient. But 

 when there is displacement the reduction of the fracture must first 

 be accomphshed, and for this special splints are necessary. In a 

 fracture of the symphysis or of the branches the adjustment of the 

 fragments by securing them with metallic sutures is the first step 

 necessary, to be followed by the appHcation of supports, consisting 

 of sphnts of leather or sheets of metal (Fig. 258 and 259), the entu-e 



