BOOK REVIEW
The Scaphoid Slutsky DJ, Slade JF III, eds. New York: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 2011. 376 pages and included DVD-ROM, $249.95.
In The Scaphoid, David J. Slutsky, MD, and the late Joseph F. Slade III, MD, have successfully collected a comprehensive and well-referenced review of scaphoid fractures and nonunions. Dr. Slutsky, a leader in the field of wrist arthroscopy, and Dr. Slade, who popularized the dorsal percutaneous approach for acute fractures and nonunions of the scaphoid, have assembled a well-respected panel of national and international contributors. Almost every conceivable aspect related to understanding and treating the pathology associated with scaphoid injuries and fractures is considered, as well as chapters devoted to fractures in athletes and in children. The book is composed of 42 chapters divided into 4 sections: anatomy and imaging, scaphoid fractures and nonunion, nonunion with avascular necrosis, and salvage. In the earlier chapters, the authors concisely review basic anatomy, imaging, and principles of fixation. Later chapters discuss surgical options. In a systemic framework, each of these surgical chapters re-examines the rationale and basic science, indications and contraindications, surgical techniques, complications, and results relevant to the procedure. The chapters are nicely illustrated with radiologic images, intraoperative photographs, charts, and diagrams that enhance the reader’s understanding. Also, in the surgical technique sections, the authors often provide technical insights. Particularly notable are the methods of Drs. Slade and Dodds to achieve a more rigid fixation with scaphoid nonunions and the 6 specific factors that are crucial for a successful 4-corner fusion, as described by Drs. Kamal and Weiss. The 6 chapters that are in the section covering nonunion with avascular necrosis merit special
mention. These chapters describe various vascularized bone grafting treatment options for scaphoid nonunion and Preiser disease. One can review, compare, and contrast the different bone grafting procedures presented in a straightforward format. The inclusion of these techniques is a valuable resource, particularly in a book devoted to the scaphoid, eliminating the need to reference multiple journal articles or textbooks. A companion DVD-ROM supplements the contents of the book. It contains 16 videos, 14 of which were recorded during Dr. Slutsky’s surgeries. Using computer speakers to enhance the audio, these videos are easy to follow, with key points and anatomy captioned as the operation is described. Not enclosed, unfortunately, is a web-based, online version of the book and videos. Because a great deal of the material has been presented or published in the past, some parts of the book might seem a little worn and repetitious at times (eg, percutaneous scaphoid fixation and the use of arthroscopy to assist with scaphoid fixation). However, the organization and presentation of the material minimizes this unavoidable aspect. The Scaphoid is a useful addition to the library of experienced surgeons, fellows, and residents with an interest in hand surgery. It makes a thorough and significant contribution, especially considering the few “scaphoid-only” books that have been published over the last few years, such as Current Management of Scaphoid Fractures. Twenty Questions Answered by J. Gunal, N. Barton, and I. Calli, editors, and Scaphoid Fractures by A.Y. Shin, MD, editor. The book is a quick, easy read and a valuable reference that includes current treatment options.
During the printing of this book, Joseph F. Slade III, MD, passed away. Dr. Slade was a great educator who advanced the field of hand surgery with new and innovative surgical techniques. This book is a lasting tribute to Dr. Slade.
Adam N. Wilson, MD Hand & Upper Extremity Fellow Stanford Hospital & Clinics Palo Alto, CA
0363-5023/11/36A09-0029$36.00/0 doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2011.05.037
doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2011.05.037
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