84 COMPOUND FRACTURE OF THE LOWER JAW. 
tooth, and, when effected, the position of the jaw, which was 
hanging pendulous, supported only by the soft parts, will prove 
the severe nature of the fracture. On the near side the fracture 
was a little oblique ; on the off, transverse. The depression of the 
incisors at the time of the fracture would, of necessity, raise the 
fractured ends ; while on the near side the bone was forced into 
the mouth, thus making the fracture compound. 
The difficulties to contend with in the treatment of the case 
were many, — perfect quietude to maintain the ends of the bones 
in perfect apposition — the irritating consequences of a most 
offensive salivary secretion, insinuating itself through the lace- 
rated soft parts into the interstices of the fractures and lacerated 
structure, thus greatly tending to engender an unhealthy condi- 
tion of the secreting vessels ; and, lastly, the difficulty of sup- 
porting the system. 
To support the jaw and place the broken bones in the most 
favourable position for reunion, Mr. Mavor had constructed a 
leathern case, similar to those used in the medical profession for 
fractures below the elbow. This, after a short trial, was set aside 
as not fulfilling Mr. Mavor’s views, and a strap of a very simple 
construction, but which answered the purpose admirably, took 
its place. The following is a rough sketch of its adaptation : — It 
was nothing more than a common strap and buckle, with an 
extra piece of leather stitched on, of sufficient length to embrace 
and support the incisors ; the ends of the strap were carried up 
on each side of the face, and secured to the upper part of a 
common bridle, the bit being previously removed. 
