David Green’s Operative Hand Surgery has, over the past two decades, become the textbook of hand surgery. Since the first edition in 1982, its clear and concise organization, comprehensive nature, outstanding illustrations, and ability to always provide the reader with a preferred approach to nearly every problem of the hand has made it not only the most useful text in hand surgery, but also one of the finest textbooks in medicine.
The new fourth edition builds upon this foundation and clearly carries it into the next generation of hand surgery. Many of the legendary hand surgeons who have contributed to this text in past editions continue to lend their ever more mature experience to some of the more complex and difficult areas, yet often now in conjunction with younger, bright, and talented hand surgeons as co-authors. Nearly half of the contributors are new and their contributions, along with those of the original contributors, result in a text that benefits from decades of experience, updated with the newest advances and approaches, all in clear perspective.
Several new chapters in this edition address topics of increasing importance, as does a greatly expanded section on arthroscopy and arthroscopic surgery. Thankfully, Dr. Green has again chosen to preserve the classic chapter on intrinsic contracture written by the late Richard Smith. The chapters continue to be organized by overview, anatomy, techniques, and preferred technique, with new icons highlighting the anatomy and technique sections. In this edition, Dr. Green acknowledges the increasing involvement of his co-editors. Dr. Robert Hotchkiss has injected his keen insight and clear organization into many of the original chapters. Dr. William (Chris) Pederson is now one of the editors and has helped make the microsurgical chapters truly outstanding in terms of both sophistication and clarity.
Though not inexpensive, this text is actually a great value. No matter what your specialty or level of experience, if you do hand surgery, you cannot be without it. If you have come to rely on a previous edition, the new fourth edition is well worth the upgrade.