SPLINTS FOR FRACTURE OF THE LOWER JAW. 
95 
mastication so seriously that condition is lost in a marked degree. 
Transverse fractures of the body are difficult to set, and sometimes 
eventuate in formation of callus fibrosus, with sinking of the alveolar 
margin and protrusion of the tongue (fig. 58). Grim cured the above 
transverse fracture in a calf by applying a suitable splint and giving 
nourishment through an oesophageal canula. The case recovered rapidly. 
Fractures of the articulatory process, or in its neighbourhood, are the 
most serious. Those of the coronoid process unite, but sometimes by 
the formation of a callus fibrosus. Compound fractures of the lower jaw 
often prove very troublesome, but are not always incurable, as recorded 
instances show. Nor can fractures of the articulatory process be regarded 
Fig. 58. —Incomplete union of fracture of the body of the lower jaw, from a 
photograph. 
as hopeless, since Frohner has shown that recovery may follow resection 
of the maxillary joint. 
Treatment in simple one-sided fracture consists merely in the 
administration of soft food. Dislocated fragments must be brought into 
position. As long as the fracture remains confined to one branch no 
mechanical appliance is necessary ; but when double-sided, considerable 
ingenuity is required. Prince recommends a wedge-shaped splint of wood, 
which fits into the submaxillary space, and is fastened with straps 
passed over the animal’s neck and head. In small patients, and in 
valuable large animals, a similar splint formed of gutta-percha is pressed 
into the space whilst soft, so as to form an exact reproduction of it; its 
posterior broad end is supported against the animal s throat. Another 
arrangement is due to Mazza. Girard arranged two bars of iron, bound 
together at an angle, corresponding to the direction of the posterior 
borders of the lower jaw, and carrying at their point of union a spoon¬ 
shaped extension for supporting the chin. The other ends were provided 
