This well-written and clearly illustrated textbook describes the philosophy
and the treatment techniques of one of the leaders of shoulder surgery in
North America. The approach is somewhat novel and uses different terminology
and a rationale that has been developed and championed by the senior author,
Frederick A. Matsen III, who has had extensive publication of many of these
ideas in peer-reviewed journals. It must be understood that this book
emphasizes Dr. Matsen's approach and that alternative philosophies and methods
of treatment are available elsewhere. Having taken that fact into
consideration, the reader will find that the text provides unique insights and
useful clinical information that will be beneficial to the clinician in the
management of both simple and complex orthopaedic problems concerning the
shoulder joint.
The organization of this text is straightforward and links rationale and
philosophy with surgical procedures for specific indications. Procedures are
clearly explained and illustrated, thus promoting understanding by the reader.
At times, the illustrations for specific procedures are repeated, but this
repetition creates an order and consistency much like that found in a handbook
and serves to guide the surgeon step by step. Another welcome addition is the
inclusion of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth
Revision (ICD-9) diagnostic codes and Current Procedural Terminology
(CPT) operative codes for specific procedures.
The first section is clearly written and concise. It highlights the often
overlooked general principles of surgical technique that are crucial to a
successful result. Of note is the discussion regarding the Simple Shoulder
Test, which is a validated outcome measurement tool that is clinically useful.
Also, the need for postoperative rehabilitation is emphasized, and the
responsibility of the operating surgeon in directing the course of physical
therapy is stressed. The specific exercises are clearly illustrated and are
correlated to surgical procedures.
The subsequent sections and chapters deal with specific diseases and the
surgical techniques for treating them. In presenting their views on the
pathomechanics and principles of treatment, the authors often introduce new
definitions and terms. Although these terms are clearly presented and
illustrated, there is no discussion of alternative concepts and principles. An
explanation and discussion of the alternative pathomechanics and rationales
for treatment, especially those that represent commonly held beliefs, would
help the reader to arrive at a better understanding of the principles set
forth by the authors.
The same thing can be said with regard to the described surgical
techniques. Although it is understood that the authors are describing only
their own techniques, a discussion of alternative methods of treatment would
provide insight into the relative advantages and disadvantages of a specific
operative technique. For example, although this textbook deals with open
surgical techniques, some discussion about the relative advantages and
disadvantages of open compared with arthroscopic techniques for specific
indications would be helpful to the reader. Despite this shortcoming, the book
provides plenty of useful surgical tips and techniques that will be especially
helpful to the shoulder surgeon when performing the more complex surgical
procedures involving arthroplasty and revision. In summary, the book provides
helpful and worthwhile insights and surgical techniques for all orthopaedic
surgeons.