surgery of peripheral nerves: a case-based approach

1
Book reviews Surgery of peripheral nerves: A case-based approach, R. Midha, E.L. Zager, Thieme (2008). Peripheral nerve surgery is preformed by a variety of surgical specialties including orthopaedics, plastic and neurosurgery. This book provides a concise overview on a wide spectrum of peripheral nerve pathologies. It is a case-based reference structured in 4 sections, brachial plexus, upper extremity, lower extremity and nerve tumours. There are 57 cases presented, with differential diagnosis, anatomy and management explained. Each case is well organised, into case presentation, diag- nosis, anatomy, differential diagnosis, diagnostic test, surgical treatment and outcome/prognosis. This format is adhered by all contributors. In addition, there is minimal repetition between contributors writing on similar cases. Overall this book’s strengths lie in its case-based approach, its well-organised layout and helpful illustrations. The pearls and pitfalls section, as well as the listed suggested reading at the end of each case, makes a useful adjunct for trainee revision. As this is a broad based exposure to peripheral nerve surgery, details regarding secondary reconstructive proce- dures are beyond its scope. The clinical photographs (in S þ W) are well labelled and supplemented, in places by helpful illustrations. This book is an excellent reference for the orthopaedic surgeon and trainee in evaluating and managing patients with peripheral nerve lesions. E.E. Fogarty Charlemont Clinic, Ireland 1479-666X/$ – see front matter doi:10.1016/j.surge.2009.10.037 Oxford specialist handbook in surgery otolaryngology and head and neck surgery. G. Warner, A. Burgess, S. Patel, P. Martinez-Devisa, R. Corbridge This compact and well presented volume is the latest incarnation of the previous Oxford Handbook in ENT. It does an excellent job of presenting a huge amount of information comprehensively, in an easily accessible and succinct format. It is aimed at trainees in the specialty but would be of value to the interested undergraduate or General Practitioner, or those sitting the Diploma in Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery. It is designed as a reference volume which the reader can dip into as required and should facilitate the building of expert knowledge quickly. Although most sections are presented in bullet point format, in line with the relevant anatomical subdivisions of the specialty, there are several useful additional chapters providing complementary information of value to the trainee. This includes a useful introductory section on such generic areas as evidence-based medicine, statistics, communication skills including dealing with difficult colleagues, audit and clinical governance. This gives the book a rounded and comprehensive feel. The content is presented logically and orientated to make practical access easy, so that any topic arising in the reader’s daily work can be quickly assimilated and an overview of the condition, its management, operative techniques and complications studied. Relevant basic sciences are also covered in each section including anatomy, embryology, physiology and pathology. There are excellent sections on emergency management of ENT conditions and on minor procedures, which are seldom described in text- books but need to be acquired. A further section covers the role of allied health professionals and audiologists, who are integral to the provision of an ENT service. Fastidious readers may be irritated by the number of typographical errors but this does not seriously detract from an excellent addition to the ENT literature. This book is likely to be used on a regular basis rather than sitting on the book- shelf. It is sturdily bound and suitable for the white coat pocket (if such is still worn), failing which enthusiastic trainees may care to wear it round the neck in lieu of a stethoscope. available at www.sciencedirect.com The Surgeon, Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland www.thesurgeon.net the surgeon 8 (2010) 123–124

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Page 1: Surgery of peripheral nerves: A case-based approach

t h e s u r g e o n 8 ( 2 0 1 0 ) 1 2 3 – 1 2 4

avai lable at www.sciencedirect .com

The Surgeon, Journal of the Royal Collegesof Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland

www.thesurgeon.net

Book reviews

Surgery of peripheral nerves: A case-based approach,

R. Midha, E.L. Zager, Thieme (2008).

Peripheral nerve surgery is preformed by a variety of

surgical specialties including orthopaedics, plastic and

neurosurgery. This book provides a concise overview on

a wide spectrum of peripheral nerve pathologies.

It is a case-based reference structured in 4 sections,

brachial plexus, upper extremity, lower extremity and nerve

tumours. There are 57 cases presented, with differential

diagnosis, anatomy and management explained.

Each case is well organised, into case presentation, diag-

nosis, anatomy, differential diagnosis, diagnostic test, surgical

treatment and outcome/prognosis. This format is adhered by

all contributors. In addition, there is minimal repetition

between contributors writing on similar cases.

Overall this book’s strengths lie in its case-based approach,

its well-organised layout and helpful illustrations. The pearls

and pitfalls section, as well as the listed suggested reading at

the end of each case, makes a useful adjunct for trainee

revision. As this is a broad based exposure to peripheral nerve

surgery, details regarding secondary reconstructive proce-

dures are beyond its scope. The clinical photographs (in SþW)

are well labelled and supplemented, in places by helpful

illustrations. This book is an excellent reference for the

orthopaedic surgeon and trainee in evaluating and managing

patients with peripheral nerve lesions.

E.E. Fogarty

Charlemont Clinic, Ireland

1479-666X/$ – see front matterdoi:10.1016/j.surge.2009.10.037

Oxford specialist handbook in surgery otolaryngology and

head and neck surgery. G. Warner, A. Burgess, S. Patel,

P. Martinez-Devisa, R. Corbridge

This compact and well presented volume is the latest

incarnation of the previous Oxford Handbook in ENT. It does an

excellent job of presenting a huge amount of information

comprehensively, in an easily accessible and succinct format.

It is aimed at trainees in the specialty but would be of value to

the interested undergraduate or General Practitioner, or those

sitting the Diploma in Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery. It

is designed as a reference volume which the reader can dip into

as required and should facilitate the building of expert

knowledge quickly.

Although most sections are presented in bullet point

format, in line with the relevant anatomical subdivisions of

the specialty, there are several useful additional chapters

providing complementary information of value to the trainee.

This includes a useful introductory section on such generic

areas as evidence-based medicine, statistics, communication

skills including dealing with difficult colleagues, audit

and clinical governance. This gives the book a rounded and

comprehensive feel. The content is presented logically and

orientated to make practical access easy, so that any topic

arising in the reader’s daily work can be quickly assimilated

and an overview of the condition, its management, operative

techniques and complications studied. Relevant basic

sciences are also covered in each section including anatomy,

embryology, physiology and pathology. There are excellent

sections on emergency management of ENT conditions and

on minor procedures, which are seldom described in text-

books but need to be acquired. A further section covers the

role of allied health professionals and audiologists, who are

integral to the provision of an ENT service.

Fastidious readers may be irritated by the number of

typographical errors but this does not seriously detract from

an excellent addition to the ENT literature. This book is likely

to be used on a regular basis rather than sitting on the book-

shelf. It is sturdily bound and suitable for the white coat

pocket (if such is still worn), failing which enthusiastic

trainees may care to wear it round the neck in lieu of

a stethoscope.