CHAP. XII. OF A LUXATED MAXILLA.
In a dislocation of the lower jaw it is pushed forward, but sometimes on one side, sometimes on both. If on one side, it inclines together with the chin to the contrary side, the teeth do not answer to each other, but the canine teeth below are opposite to the incisores: if on both sides, the chin leaves its place, and is protruded to the external part; and the lower teeth come farther out than the upper; and the muscles of the temples appear tense. The patient, as soon as possible, must be placed in a seat in such a manner, that an assistant may secure his head behind; or he may be seated near a wall, putting a hard leather cushion between the wall and his head, and let his head be pressed upon the cushion by an assistant, that it may be kept the steadier; then the thumbs of the physician being wrapped up with linen cloths, or rollers, that they may not slip, must be introduced into his mouth; and the fingers must be applied externally. When the maxilla is firmly grasped, if the luxation be on one side, the chin must be shaken, and brought towards the throat; then at the same time his head must be held, and the chin being raised, the maxilla forced into its place, and the mouth shut; and all this must be done almost in the same instant. But if the luxation be on both sides, the same method must be taken; but the jaw-bone must be forced back equally on both sides. When the bone is replaced, if the case was attended with a pain of the eyes and neck, blood must be taken from the arm. And as liquid food at first is proper for all persons, whose bones have been dislocated, so particularly in this circumstance; where even frequent speaking, by the motion of the mouth, hurts the nerves of the temples(25).