Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, 7th ed.

Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, ed 7, vols 1, 2, 3, and 4 The seventh edition of this classic guide to orthopedic surgery is completely reorganized. The material is divided into 4 volumes, 75 chapters, and 17 parts. The editor indicates that the retained chapters were rewritten extensively and that all 18 contributors are staff members at the Campbell Clinic. New chapters in this edition cover microsurgery, fractures in children, osteonecrosis, the foot in adolescents and adults, low back pain and disorders of intervertebral disks, a throscopy, paralytic disorders, and inheritable progressive neuromuscular diseases. The volumes are organized around major pathological and surgical concepts, with only 2 parts devoted to one anatomical area (the hand in volume 1 and the spine in volume 4).

The first volume contains Parts 1 to 5 (29 chapters): general principles (2 chapters), the hand (18), microsurgery (1), amputations (4), and infections (4). The second volume contains Parts 6 to 9 (13 chapters): tumors (5 chapters), nontraumatic bone and joint disorders (3), arthrodesis (2), and arthroplasty (3). The third volume contains Parts 10 to 13 (14 chapters): fractures (7 chapters); dislocations (3); disorders of muscles, tendons, and associated structures (2); and traumatic disorders of joints (3). The fourth volume contains parts 14 to 17 (17 chapters): arthroscopy (3 chapters), congenital anomalies (3), nervous system disorders (4), and the spine (8).

Not surprisingly, the book is written by and for orthopedic surgeons. Detailed, well-illustrated descriptions of the diagnosis and surgical management of most, if not all, orthopedic problems are provided. Part 1, on general principles, describes the major approaches used in orthopedic surgery and major surgical techniques. The terminology defined in this part helps clarify later procedures. Found throughout the book are clear illustrations of various instruments, types of incisions, roentgenograms, and patients. In most chapters, there are discussions of the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of management and potential complications. Where appropriate, authors discuss conservative, nonsurgical management. Descriptions of postsurgical care vary in detail. There is considerable information regarding the postsurgical management of the various hand problems, but little on management after meniscectomy, for example. Physical therapy is mentioned breifly in relation to hand care, postamputation management, and some spinal problems.

The various chapters are generally well written and provide useful information for therapists working with patients who have orthopedic problems. There are over 3,000 illustrations, both drawings and photographs, which are valuable asset to the books. There are eight color plates. The book is an excellent reference for anyone involved with orthopedic problems. The set certainly belongs in the libraries of education programs for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Individual therapists probably would not need a personal copy of the text, considering its cost, but the would benefit from having access to the set from time to time.