This handsome guide to foot and ankle surgery, now in its second edition,
is an excellent reference work for orthopaedic surgeons. The editors have an
impressive roster of leading international specialists and have updated the
content from the first edition.
The chapters cover a broad range of topics, addressing problems in both
children and adults, including hallux valgus, resection arthroplasty of the
great toe, flat foot, triple arthrodesis, ankle joint replacement, amputation,
and many others. The emphasis throughout the book is on technique, with
careful attention paid to descriptions and illustrations that will be helpful
to surgeons in determining the appropriate procedure for each patient.
Each chapter is well organized and includes information about indications,
surgical techniques, complications, and postoperative care. The language used
is descriptive but also concise. The illustrations are of very high quality,
with all of the important steps of the various procedures carefully detailed.
The bibliographies at the end of each chapter were compiled with an emphasis
on utility rather than length. The index, an often overlooked aspect but one
of great importance in a reference work such as this, is well done. One
criticism is that, due to the international nature of the collaboration, some
of the techniques described in the text are uncommon or controversial in the
United States. The Kramer osteotomy for hallux valgus and first metatarsal
phalangeal endoprostheses are only briefly discussed. Still, this is an
excellent and very well-sourced international text.
The second edition of An Atlas of Foot and Ankle Surgery belongs
on the shelf of any foot and ankle specialist and is a valuable resource for
other orthopaedic surgeons as well. The authors should be congratulated for
providing this useful volume.