A review and update of new methods for immobilization of the mandible

In 1948, Dr Kurt H Thoma, a leading authority of the day, published a paper on new methods for immobilization of the mandible in the first issue of this Journal. He reviewed the state of the art for management of patients with fractures of the mandible. By reviewing the paper now we can see how difficult to treat some of the injuries he saw were. This paper assesses his patient management in light of today's knowledge and experience. It discusses changes in therapy that have occurred during this over fifty-year time span. Although many things have changed since then, what has not changed is our desire to provide the best care for our patients using currently available scientific knowledge and clinical evidence.