Prevention of tongue prolapse by immediate stabilization in severely avulsed mandibular war injuries.

A significantly successful procedure for tongue stabilization, used in six cases of severe war injuries to the mandible, which prevents the serious complications of tongue prolapse, is here presented. The procedure consists of a the insertion of horseshoe-shaped Kirschner wire, the ends of which are fixed to the posterior mandibular segments, thus acting as a scaffolding for the lacerated soft tissues of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, floor of the mouth and the submandibular region. This technique provides an acceptable appearance and assists feeding, reduces dribbling and dryness of the tongue, limits the likelihood of infection of the soft tissues of the floor of the mouth with subsequent contracture, affords scaffolding for the soft tissues, foundation for bone grafts, and permits greater freedom in augmenting the vermilion of the lower lip.