This atlas was written by a group of orthopaedic surgeons from various parts of the world who have a particular interest and expertise in problems of the foot and ankle. The editors have done an excellent job of standardizing the material from a diverse group of authors from completely different cultural and training backgrounds. The result is a well designed, well illustrated, comprehensive atlas of the most common conditions and operative procedures.
Each chapter begins with an introduction of the problem to be addressed. A discussion of the clinical findings and the indications for each procedure is followed by a description of the operative technique, which includes very clear diagrams showing the exact steps of the procedure. Postoperative care also is covered. The most critical references are cited for each topic.
The text covers a wide range of topics, including hallux valgus; hallux varus; hallux rigidus; resection arthroplasty of the great toe; hammer toe; bunion deformity of the fifth metatarsal; metatarsalgia; tarsal tunnel release; tendon transfers around the ankle; common fractures and arthrodeses of the foot, midfoot, subtalar region, and ankle; rigid clubfoot; acute infection; the diabetic foot; and amputation. The chapter on operative considerations regarding tumors is concise and informative, as is the chapter on techniques of soft-tissue coverage of the foot and ankle.
Practicing surgeons will find this atlas useful, particularly with regard to operative techniques. It also will be very useful in the libraries of surgeons who primarily treat problems of the foot and ankle and in the libraries of hospitals and medical schools.
Leela Rangaswamy, M. D.
Deputy Editor
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
Needham, Massachusetts