In the brief period of time allotted for this discussion of infected fractures of the maxillae, I will not enter into a detailed description of them, but will confine the paper to a few observations made in connection with work done at one of our hospitals, at which such cases were received for treatment.
These fractures range from simple fractures to those associated with great loss of bony substance and the enveloping flesh. The treatment of simple fractures requires only approximation of the parts and fixation of the jaws by various means already understood, accompanied by proper care and cleanliness. This is the type of fracture usually dealt with in civil practice, and infection rarely occurs.
Fractures due to gunshot injuries in the war are accompanied with and complicated by projection of bone and tooth fragments into the surrounding soft tissues, loss of bone substance, extreme laceration of the flesh,