James P. Stannard, Andrew H. Schmidt, and Philip J. Kregor, editors. New York: Thieme; 2007. 940 pages. $299.95. ISBN: 978-1-58890-307-5.
This book is a concise compilation of accepted operative solutions for nearly every acute orthopaedic trauma problem. The authors as well as the contributors are orthopaedic trauma surgeons who are very much actively involved in the daily care of fractures, both simple and challenging. This one-volume textbook is accompanied by four DVDs that show the contributors performing the many surgical techniques discussed in the book.
The text is concise and well written, with special sections devoted to outcomes data when available. The authors are all devoted to internal fixation in the tradition of AO and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. Many chapters include a "tips and tricks" section that offers information (e.g., how to facilitate exposure or achieve fracture reduction) on the particular surgical technique being discussed. Highlighted "pearls" sections throughout the book offer important facts that can be useful when taking in-training or board examinations. The first chapter focuses solely on the care of the soft-tissue envelope, a subject that is often overlooked in other fracture textbooks.
The illustrations and photographs are good but printed in black and white. The DVD surgical videos, the quantity and quality of which are truly superb, are the gem of this book. After reading the chapter and watching the accompanying video, the reader should be able to perform many of the demonstrated techniques with success.
A slight criticism of the book would be with regard to Chapters 2 and 5, which are respectively dedicated to musculoskeletal infection and the treatment of nonunions and malunions. These two chapters present many of the important concepts of care for patients with these difficult problems, but the task is almost too much for a concise surgical textbook dedicated to acute orthopaedic trauma.
I commend the authors on this daunting undertaking. This textbook is a must for orthopaedic residents as well as any orthopaedic surgeon who is on call for trauma care. It will quickly become an essential resource due to its concise presentation and its quality DVD presentations. Having this book at hand is like having the benefit of an experienced orthopaedic trauma surgeon at your side.