Page 60 - My FlipBook

60 FIRST PERIOD—ANTIQUITY

the complete and the incomplete fracture; he then speaks separately
of the fracture of the symphysis. Treating of the incomplete fracture,
he says:
"If the teeth in proximity of the lesion be shaken, one ought, after
having reduced the fracture, to bind them one to the other, until the
consolidation of the bone, using preferably gold wire for the purpose;
but if this be wanting, linen thread can be used instead, and not only
ought the two teeth next to the site of the fracture to be bound, but
several of the others besides."^
Fig. 9

Two Greek appliances existing in the Archaeological Museum of Athens.

Farther on, when speaking of complete fractures, he renews this advice
in these words:
"After having carried out the coaptation, the teeth ought, as we have
said already, to be bound one to the other; this greatly contributes
to obtaining the immobility of the fragments, particularly if properly
carried out."^
Also, in cases of fracture of the symphysis, Hippocrates recommends
"binding the teeth together on the right and left of the lesion." And
after having spoken of the best adapted means of constraint in such
kinds of fractures, he adds: "If the reduction has been well performed,
and the part kept in proper repose, the consolidation takes place in a short
time and the teeth do not undergo any damage; in the contrary case, the

De articulis, p. 799. ^ Loc. cit.