The author, who is from Hong Kong, states in his preface that the purpose of this book is at least three-fold. Firstly, it should be helpful to read before professional examinations, grand rounds, vivas and long case examinations. Secondly, it is aimed not only at surgeons-in-training but also at surgeons requiring re-certification and, in particular, surgeons in developing and under-developed countries. Thirdly, it is directed at the specialised surgeon who wishes to know the latest concepts of management in other fields of orthopaedics.
It is set out in eight chapters: Basic Science and Common Sports Injuries, Paediatric Orthopaedics, Hand Surgery, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Spine Surgery, Total Joint Surgery, Orthopaedic Infections and Musculoskeletal Tumour Principles. Each consists of lists of bullet points and brief discussions relating to the topics in each section. Although this sounds rather dry, it is surprisingly readable.
The information is generally well organised, providing pertinent revision material for trainees, particularly in the chapters on hand surgery, spine surgery and total joint replacement. There are also interesting chapters for those of us who have subspecialised and need a ‘quick fix’ of, for example, hand surgery or spinal surgery before discussing problems with colleagues more learned in these fields.
However, a significant omission from the book is a chapter on elbow and shoulder problems. There is no mention of degenerative and inflammatory conditions of these joints and no mention either of rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement syndrome, acromioclavicular joint problems or atraumatic shoulder instability. This deficiency needs to be remedied if the book is to be presented as a comprehensive guide.
There are inconsistencies in the use of classifications. For instance, in the section ‘How to use this book’, the author states that he expects the reader to know the classifications used for most of the common orthopaedic conditions but then goes on to outline numerous classifications in the text, missing out others just as pertinent to the trainee.
The use of illustrations could be improved to complement the text. For example, the discussions of gait analysis and muscle microstructure and function would be enhanced considerably by good diagrams, yet there are radiographs of a knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and of hallux valgus that confer little educational benefit.
The ‘current concepts’ aspect of this book sometimes falls short of expectations; for example, there is no mention of the Scarfe osteotomy in the section on hallux valgus.
This book is small enough to fit into a briefcase or bag but not into the microbiologically incorrect white coat. It could, if improved, provide a useful aide-mémoire for trainees just before exams. However, although interesting and informative in parts, because of the deficiencies outlined above, I could only recommend it to trainees and colleagues (both developed and under-developed) with reservations.