John H. Bowker and Michael A. Pfeifer, editors. Philadelphia: Mosby; 2008. 627 pages. $169.00. ISBN: 978-0-323-04145-4.
This is the most comprehensive book on the diabetic foot. This seventh edition is not just an expansion of the sixth edition. The editors have recruited many new authors and expanded and organized the contents into six sections, including The Foundations of Diabetic Foot Management (epidemiology and the public health perspective of diabetic foot care), Evaluation Techniques, Nonsurgical Management, Surgical Aspects, Team Approach, and Reimbursement and Medical-Legal Aspects. The appendices provide an instruction sheet for the patient and additional web-site links for information. Additionally, the book contains a copy of the interactive DVD that was developed by the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) in 2007, titled "International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot and Practical Guidelines on the Management and Prevention of the Diabetic Foot." The content is very complete and includes contemporary and pertinent references. Figures and tables are frequently used to supplement the text, and these are well labeled.
The extensive breadth of experts that have contributed to this book—radiologists, internists, endocrinologists, vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons, biomechanists, physical therapists, pharmacologists, psychiatrists, pedorthists, orthotists, prosthetists, podiatrists, and orthopaedists—is what makes this book great. With the incidence and prevalence of diabetes increasing, a team approach has never been more important.
Of particular interest is the emerging research portion of some chapters. It takes the reader to the next level of care and may even stimulate current and future research in the care of the diabetic foot.
In summary, The Diabetic Foot is a "must have" for clinicians and researchers involved in the care of patients with diabetes. It is a comprehensive, current, well-organized, and well-written book. It is not only a "how to" book with practical knowledge, but also a "why" book, allowing us to better understand why we do what we do.