I was extremely disappointed with this title. I try and research the books that I read carefully, and the general positive feedback for this book did not live up to the gossip. Largely speaking, this is a dated text from a legend in the field of orthopaedics. However, given the most recent books being published, this book is way out of its league.
The book is divided into three sections: general orthopaedics, regional orthopaedics, and fractures and joint injuries. Although each chapter and section follows a similar style of authorship, the depth of information is extremely varied. One chapter may be just skimming the surface where another is pointing out things is grotesque detail. Another huge fall of each chapter is the dated text that is geared to an international audience. In almost every section of regional orthopaedics, it speaks about the catastrophic nature of tuberculosis. After reading this book, one might think that at the very core of orthopaedics is the treatment of tuberculosis. In reality, how often is this seen? Rarely!
The first section is tragically disappointing in that its primary focus is general information that is learned in medical school. It is really information that a primary care physician would need. Forgive me, but I just don't see how reading about medical management of rheumatoid arthritis is going to help me with orthopaedic surgery. Even still, if I was a primary care physician, this is definitely not the source that I would pick up, which should be for orthopaedic surgeons.
The next section, regional orthopaedics, is the golden egg of the book. In rather simplistic detail, it explains physical exam maneuvers, orthopaedic conditions and basic treatments. It is helpful for a beginner. The down side is just that; it's for a beginner. Details for each condition are scanty and incomplete. The information in this text certainly isn't updated enough and doesn't cover surgical interventions in the depth that you would expect if this text were for an orthopaedic surgeon. There is very little information on surgical technique. I would feel very uncomfortable treating my patients or even recommending surgery if this book were my primary source.
The final section, fractures and joint injuries, isn't the worst thing in the world. It is, however, plagued by overly wordy and boring sections on ATLS and how the emergency medical system runs in the UK. The sad thing is that pocket books, like handbook of fractures, give more information on fracture classification and treatment than this big book can deliver in 300 pages on fractures. It's sad and very wordy!
Final thoughts: Don't listen to the critics that exclaim this book is a must have for orthopaedic surgeons or that it will help you do well on your exam. Trust me, I have taken the OITE, this book didn't own up. Even for a general or beginner text, I would probably recommend the clinical diagnosis and treatment book on orthopaedics before this one. It is more concise and better written. If your about to take your first leap into orthopaedics, don't pick this one. If your an advanced learner, there is nothing more to learn here. It's an expensive, dated text that from a legendary orthopaedist. Perhaps the book remains in print just to keep his memory alive.