Abstract
This book comes in an online (e-book) edition as well.
This is the fourth edition of the well-known orthopedic surgery textbook on the treatment of fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum. The first edition was published in 1984 and a new edition has been published approximately every 10 years since.
The expanded fourth edition of this book is divided into a two-volume set, one for the pelvis and one for the acetabulum. With the books, there are access codes to video presentations of surgical techniques.
The books are intended primarily for surgeons, but there is no doubt they will be of interest to radiologists dealing with traumatology as well.
It is a very comprehensive publication. The four editors, together with more than 80 international contributors, have brought this new edition up to date, with a very large number of illustrations and high quality CT and MRI images.
As an introduction both volumes have a detailed discussion of the regional anatomy and biomechanics followed by a thorough review of patho-anatomy and mechanisms of injury. Classification systems for both pelvic and acetabular fractures are reviewed in great detail.
The illustrations are numerous and easily understandable, even for non-surgeons.
The publication is based on the AO principles of operative management of fractures.
From a radiological point of view one can get a detailed insight into the background of choice of operation methods and osteosynthesis equipment.
The radiological images are well chosen and generally up to date and of high quality.
In volume 1 is a chapter on the subject of general assessment on management of the polytrauma patient. It is relevant for all doctors, including radiologists, dealing with emergency trauma.
To mention a few topics in the pelvis book there is a section about urological injuries in pelvic ring fractures and a section of insufficiency fractures. In the acetabulum book is a section about pathological fractures.
Finally, both volumes contain a section on results and complications. Here is a lot of useful knowledge for radiologists when it comes to follow-up examinations after pelvic and acetabular fractures. Other issue are complications of mal-union or non-union and venous thromboembolism after pelvic fracture.
The books are primarily addressed to surgeons, but trauma radiologists will benefit greatly from the very comprehensive information about trauma mechanism, fracture classification, and evaluation of outcomes in their daily work.
The books will be helpful for radiologists working in a trauma setting with surgeons operating in the pelvic and acetabular region. It will be beneficial as a reference in educating students and residents based on the easy-to-understand illustrations.
As a general theme, it is emphasized that, despite new technology and the edition of the book, the basic philosophy of the care of the severely injured patient is based on assessment of “the personality of the injury including both patient and fracture factors”. This hallmark is addressed successfully.