Distraction of oral scars contractures following caustic ingestion. A form of conservative treatment.

The chemical burns in the oral mucosa as consequence of accident of suicide attempt are relatively frequent. The evolution of the repairing process is conditioned by the quality and concentration of the caustic as by the location and time exposure of the affected region. At this report, we document a form of conservative treatment for the limitation of mouth opening, which the patient presented after swallowing a detergent acid. In order to obtain a minimal oral opening, a screwed cone, whose action mechanism was acting as a cradle between both jaws, was used. Once achieved a 10 mm opening, it was possible to use an external distractor to accomplish a continuous traction.