Orthopedics Books

I supervise the trauma center in a busy part of Hong Kong for a teaching hospital. I have found this book packed with useful information. It is very suitable for doctors and nurses in a trauma center and is also of considerable use to the paramedics who want to know a little bit more in cervical injuries. I have seen many instances of chiropractic cervical trauma in Hong Kong and was impressed to see that this aspect is well covered in this book as well.

I am a Chief Resident in Surgery with special interests in trauma to the neck. Having read numerous books on the subject I was quite impressed with this handbook. Even though there were no real photographs of trauma, the drawn diagrams were very clear and self-explanatory. The subject matter was covered comprehensively. I have not seen such a wide coverage in any corresponding book. I have found it a most suitable book for Board Certification exams and revisions.

I am a Surgeon. I came across this book through Alta vista and because it seemed good for my current project, I located it in our University Library. I am impressed with the contents. The coverage is comprehensive and the subject is well described in text and in appropriate diagrams. Inter-specialty coverage is excellent and it is this feature which makes this book stand out. The management-plan is easy to understand. I have already ordered this for my hospital library and for my own collection. I can recommend this book to all General Surgical Residents.

This is a wonderful book written in a simple language and in a most informative manner. Multiple visceral trauma of the neck has been described very well. Lacks real life pictures but makes up well with several easy to remember and easy to draw diagrams.

I find this book easy to read and to follow in the complicated area of inter-specialty trauma in the neck. I was searching for material for a case report that I am writing involving the roots of brachial plexus, larynx and laceration of Subclavian Artery in the Subclavian Triangle caused by a gunshot injury. This book supplied me with all the necessary general information and the necessary references to look up for some more.

I have found this book to be an effective approach for back and hip pain. I recommend and have gifted this book to several people. It does take doing the exercises. I had some hip pain that was bothersome for a couple of months and went away never to return after using Dr. Brownstein's approach.

My husband was experiencing crippling lower back pain, that was also running down his right thigh. We were wanting to avoid pain pills and another surgery. I bought this book based on the reviews, and he has been faithfully doing the back exercises at least every day. He found relief within a few days. It's worth a try if you are going through this kind of stuff. He had been through one back surgery that relieved his pain, but we misunderstood the need to do exercises initially. When the pain started coming again, in a different area, we thought he should try this first. I would highly recommend this book.

This book is excellent. Suffered for over 20 years with back pain, diagnosed with degenerative discs and multiple level herniations. Experienced many times the kind of intense pain that finds you on the floor. Tried physical therapy, chriopractors, acupuncture, pain management, anything to avoid surgery. But I was afraid that surgery was my only hope. Now since I've read this book I no longer worry about surgery. Because I'm pain free and can even do yoga - something I never thought possible.

As someone who has had back pain for many years, I learned alot of helpful techniques and strategies to ease the pain. I am now practicing many of ideas outlined in the book and am feeling somewhat better. Definitely worth reading for anyone with chronic back pain.

I purchaed this book for my elderly mother, a retired nurse, who had been to four back specialists and resorted to pain block injections for her spine, which looks like a twisted road in an X-ray. Nothing the doctors told her to do or take, including physical therapy, seemed to alleviate the pain. But when she started doing the exercises in this book, she was able to sleep and function 85% better than before. She does the excises in bed morning and evening. I would recommend it to anyone with back pain, regardless of their age.

The author describes in just the right amount of detail, what his residency in orthopedics was like at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. The struggle between the incredibly demanding hours of training and his responsibilities as a husband and dad are intense. Throw in some moonlighting on weekends in the ER and "you're good to go insane." A perfect summer read.

I really enjoyed this book. The author was very down to earth and had a great sense of humor. He included a number of wonderful stories about his experiences during his residency as a surgeon. I found it very hard to put this book down.

From the moment I started reading it, it was like the initial incision with the scalpel on my brain and I could not stop until I got to the end (close the incision--take the patient to the recovery)!! Dr Collins has done a great job in this fast paced easy to read manual of the 4 years of residency at the prestigious Mayo clinic revealing to us the incredibly long hours of residency while raising up a family, living from pay check to pay check(earned mostly by moonlighting), driving cheap cars(esp the Battleship, ha!),dealing with life and death decisions on a daily basis and eventually making it through it all. The doctor has a great sense of humor (I guess 'tis one of the survival tactics in the battle of life.) His scalpel sharp pen can touch the soul of the reader! You will laugh and weep through it all(as must have Patti(his wife) and the kids). It has given me a greater appreciation for doctors--they have a high endurance coefficient! A must read for all the doclings and doctors-to-be.

After making the decision to return to school after 7 years to become a cardio surgeon- I seriously doubted my own abilities. I read everything I could get my hands on concerning others and there first year experiences. Hot Lights, Cold Steel was amazing. I was able to relate with Dr. Collins and soon realize that I too may be ill prepared for like as a resident but along with anything, time, experience and studying will prove that I too can be just as amazing as he is. (Only difference- he has 12 children, whereas I only have 5). This book is a 5-star hands down.

I can tell when I am reading a book that I really enjoy, it keeps pestering me until I finish it. Read it in 2-3 days!!! Very enjoyable. I even like the binding on this hardcover, large inside margins, etc. Hey Doc, how about writing another book??????

This book is a great reference text for anyone who treats low back injuries and works to create lumbar core stabilization. Following the work of Janda and others, McGill has taken core stabilization to the next level. His research based approach is 100% applicable and easy to follow. He presents the science of how the body works and this is great. McGill, also being a Ph.D., does not have a medical, chiropractic, or other bias...he presents things as he finds them through studies. This is a great book and well worth every penny...

For those in the fitness field, I recommend the Ultimate Back Fitness book...very applicable and easier to follow...

Some other reviewers have (directly or indirectly) made it clear that this book is primarily for researchers, doctors, and other health-care professionals, but I would like to re-state this as clearly and emphatically as possible, as some buyers may be seriously misled by claims (not made by the author!) that it is "a book that can be read by almost everyone" or one that "every patient suffering from low back pain should read". Only Part 3 (about specific exercises to do and not do) fits that description. Parts 1 and 2 are highly technical and addressed almost entirely to physicians and academic researchers. For someone without a good working knowledge of anatomy (that's me, in case you think I'm being condescending to the ignorant masses), these parts of the book are impossible to follow. My advice to the sufferer from low-back pain (again, that's me) would be to get the book from a library and concentrate entirely on part 3.

This book not only tells you what to do to heal your back, it tells you why with exceptionally thorough evidence using test results, photos, measurements, and statistics. It's pretty intense for the lay reader. Hopefully Dr. McGill will come out with a book for the lay reader and dispel a lot of myths about back health and unhealthy ab exercises that are advertised every day on TV.

Clinicians who wish to competently evaluate, manage, and rehabilitate low back disorders will find this book indispensable due to its unique content. While other texts cover topics related to examination, differential diagnosis, or specific therapeutics, this text focuses on a thorough, component-by-component research-based review of each part of the human lumbopelvic region for the purpose of providing a comprehensive understanding of how the low back truly functions, how to credibly evaluate its function, and how to properly restore as much normal function as possible. Sufficiently detailed for scholars, yet understandable by virtually anyone, Dr. McGill uses a practical, evidence-based dialogue with the reader to address issues which I have rarely seen adequately addressed by anyone. Just what is the true function of the iliopsoas muscle in relation to the low back? And is there really such a thing as an iliopsoas muscle? And how would one properly rehabilitate a weakened rectus abdomonis muscle, without potentially aggravating a low back disorder? And why is this necessary? And is it possible that many of the exercises currently prescribed for chronic low back pain are actually detrimental to the spine, and why? These are but a few of the many important and practical topics that are covered within this book. Frankly, I don't believe anyone can competently care for low back conditions of any kind without this valuable information. I consider this book a valued and essential part of my professional library.

This book is fantastic. I wish I could thank Dr. McGill personally for this well-researched, well-founded book on rehabilitating the lower back. This book should be required reading for low back pain patients and their care givers. After reading the book, I was able to relieve a tremendous amount of back pain through very careful application of the ideas. It also helped me understand why my symptoms seemed to be aggravated by physical therapy. If you suffer from lower back pain, this is a great way to take better control of your therapy. The "evidence-based" nature of the book makes it invaluable.

A great resource book to have on fractures. I am using it frequently in practice

I am an Internist who bought this prior to deployment to a Level 2 BAS in Iraq. This was very helpful not only in terms of diagnosis, but management. It lets you know just when to refer, so you are not taking up medical evac resources, or placing soldiers on the road unnecessarily. I highly recommend this book as part of your packing list if you are a non-ortho battalion surgeon.

This is an excellent reference to rapidly give you the plan of treatment for any fracture in a table form as well as a longer written discussion. It states when orto MD must be seen and when. Perfect as a ready reference!

Great photos of fractures plus this manual gives a description of how to treat - what the best type of casts or splints would be and what they look like as well. Excellent resource!

Very easy to use, concise advice on the most common fractures. Not a definitive ortho text, but does exactly what the title indicates. Worth the price for anyone in primary care or urgent care environments.

This is an excellent book to read before surgery and to look at during recovery!! WONDERFUL!

I agree, every orthopaedic patient should leave the hospital with this book! My only wish is that I'd had it sooner after discharge. Helps with topics other titles just don't cover, like flying while disabled, etc.

Much of the book is dedicated to getting around on crutches. Under "Fitting of Crutches" Pryor states "All too frequently crutches are fitted improperly - generally too long - even by trained personnel." This is exactly what happened to me. I was nearly falling off the crutches every "swing-through" step. I fitted the crutches per instructions. By the next day I had the swing-through step down. By the next week I was successfully practising "non-weight bearing" stair climbing. This made a huge difference to me as my bedroom is on the second floor and the kitchen and living room are on the bottom floor. The detail of the book is wonderful for doing things the first (few) times. Keep re-reading. All that detail makes perfect sense when you are learning. Some of the hints are counter-intuitive and this saves you the trouble of doing it wrong or getting discouraged and giving up. I really wish the hospital had given me this book.

This book actually delivers on what it promises: extremely practical and helpful advice for post surgery or injury. Things you never even think of are presented in a clear and well thought out manner. Do yourself a favor and get it BEFORE you go to the hospital.

I've bought this and other books regarding knee rehab etc. and found this one is great if you want to find out how to maximise the use of critches after your surgery. There is very little information on what you need to do for rehab.

If your looking for a book to help you get about on crutches after surgery, it covers every thing from climbing stairs to driving!, try this one.

I have had neck pain for about 15 years. A freind, who is also a physical therapist, recommended the book to me. I read the book, and now do the excersizes daily. I have been pain-free for over a month. If your neck causes you pain, try this book and follow every word. It has really changed my life.

This book has excellent, easy instructions that really work. The exercises help to relieve most neck pains. Great pictures and easily understood information for anyone to use.

I am a 55 year old computer programmer diagnosed for the past 10 years with cervical spondylosis, which produces frequent and prolonged headaches. In my case, the medical community has been focused only on diagnosis (MRIs) and treatment (NSAIDs and muscle relaxants), not prevention. Over the years I have checked medical web sites for information, but just recently stumbled upon this book at Amazon. By following the common sense advice and exercises described by Dr. McKenzie, I am now headache and medication free. (My only advice is to go easy on the exercises when starting.) This tiny book is a miracle of Biblical proportions.

This works if....you do your homework. You may not be painfree but there will be a great improvement.

I have a reverse curve in my neck and have suffered migraine headaches for 25 years. I have gone to a chiropractor on and off throughout the years which has always helped in the past. This past year I have experienced a significant increase in the number of migraines I suffer each month and therefore have looked for additional therapies (anything but drugs which have been suggested many times by my pcp). I stumbled across this book and spoke to my Physical Therapist and Chiropractor about it and they both thought that the postures you take during the exercises are radical but if done properly and slowly they can help. I believe that the exercises in this book have help with the alignment of my cervical spine. I have also purchased (on line) a cervical pillow with traction. I believe that between the exercises, the education regarding posture and the cervical pillow I am on the road to recovery (1 month migraine free). Hope this helps.

As someone who needs a concise, complete reference on a daily basis, I recommend this book as a wonderful 'base' book for hand surgery. No, it is not absolutely complete in every category (syndactyly repair comes to mind...), but it does really touch on the important considerations for the major categories in hand surgery. Much like 'Plastic Surgery,' originally edited by Converse, this book is the standard by which all others must be measured.

I have never had any problems with Amazon's service, deliveries are always on time and the book is exactly what they offered. The book is great, with state-of-the-art management of hand injuries. I definitely recommend it!

The books arrived on time, just a corner of the two books was a little twisted. That's not very important but for the price ...

this is the most complete and useful textbook i use, and so are surgeons around me

As a member of the Danish Society for Surgery of the Hand, I have spent a lot of time browsing this text-book which has become the bible of many hand-surgeon world-over. The book is a complete listing of diseases in the hand, and covers everything about it. This book not only covers the diseases but also includes the most wanted "author`s preferred method". Drawings are good and easy to apply on patients. This bible will always be the backbone of my handsurgery.

A safety net for anyone performing orthopaedic procedures weather a trainee or a specialist. Great detail and points out nicely potential pitfalls in a much better and more effective way than similar books. Very expensive but money well spent

Every resident needs to get this book. Excellent information and anatomy gives you a leg up and makes you look good in the operating room.

As a fourth year orthopedic surgery resident this book has been of invaluable help in learning and reviewing the classic surgical approaches to the muskuloskeletal apparatus and its associated anatomy. Its lenguage is clear and concise, further supported by superb graphics. The fact that this book is in almost every orthopedist's library probably speaks for itself. This is an absolute must.

This is a great book with most of the surgical approaches that I've come in contact with. It combines concise descriptions of the anatomy with graphics in a nice, easy-to-access way.

The arthroscopic chapters are a little lame but the classical, exposures are simply a must for any resident that want to learn the different exposures.

When comparing, I find that the latest edition hasn't added that much to the book and I wouldn't recommend getting the latest edition unless your very into colors.

I believe all hospital libraries should hold a copy of this excellent book. The price is rather steep for an individual and therein lies my only crib against this book. I had to fork over almost a month's pay to get my copy. On to what I think of the content.

Clear descriptions aided with crisp colour drawings make most exposures a breeze. This is an ideal book to look through before stepping into the OR. It is also I believe the only effort to approach anatomy from the orthopaedic surgeon's point of view. All good.

Bottom line: Con your hospital/department to buy it for you. If they refuse to play ball, start saving because you want this one on your desk.

This is an excellent book that thoroughly covers the intended material. Great for spine. Get it!

I regard this as the best single text in radiology, and it's one of two that I use on a daily basis. I only bought it because someone stole my last one.

The writing is superb. The index is very useful and the pictures tell me nearly everything I need to know - starting with basic anatomy.

Not the most in depth source for MSK radiology but a great overview of important topics and their MRI findings.

Why can't all radiology books be written like this. I just wish that authors in other fields of radiology can write books like this. This book tells you what you need to know and not how much the author can write about a subject. It's good for anybody from resident to practicing radiologist. If you read MSK MRI, you have to get this book.

This is an excellent book for the following reasons:
-Size of text. This is the perfect size for an introductory text for a resident rotation. Small enough to throw in your backpack.
-Cost. On par with the Requisite series.
-Concise presentation. The text is easily readable for someone who has experience with plain film MSK, and takes time to explain the relevant anatomy when it's important.It goes over the most important topics over each major joint, leaving out the more obscure topics for the larger textbooks.
-Illustrations and images. Illustration are simple black-and-white drawings, which are much more effective than some texts that borrow illustrations, which are often way too busy (poor illustrations of the relevant anatomy). The images range in quality from OK to excellent, but shows normal first and pathology second for comparision. The images are liberally labelled with arrows denoting pathology and normal anatomic structures, which is a mark of an excellent text. I detest texts who present images without pointing out the findings. It's lazy, unhelpful, and sometimes you can't figure out just what the abnormality is! Tree-in-bud? Crazy paving? Pencil-in-cup? Radiology is filled with signs and descriptions, some of which are ridiculously or poorly named. Unfortunately your stuck learning them, and nothing is more infuriating than reading through a topic like arthritis with unmarked images showing subtle findings like "erosions" without clearly illustrated images.

This book is worth the asking price. MSK MRI is a rotation most residents don't receive until their 3rd/4th year, and it's the quickest way to hit the ground running.