INTEROSSEOUS wiring as a method of treatment in suitable fractures of the mandible has not been used as extensively as, in my opinion, its value justifies. Its use in the past has indeed been discouraged because of the complications that may follow. It is proposed to discuss, in this communication, the use of the method in the treatment of forty-eight fractures in 46 patients. Eighteen of these patients were soldiers injured by enemy action.
Wire suture of the fractured mandible is applicable in fractures of the edentulous mandible, fractures having an edentulous posterior fragment, multiple fractures (for stabilization of the main fracture), bilateral fracture through the mental foramina with downward displacement of the central fragment, gun (or shell) wounds (for stabilization when a portion is missing) and in fractures at the base of the condyle with displacement.
Incision is made below the mandibular line. No attempt is made to protect