Emma Jackson, University of Manchester

I have just finished my orthopaedics and rheumatology and this book has been my bible (rather than the Oxford Handbooks). I have used it in conjunction with the orthopaedics crash course book, but this book came into hospital with me every day. Its small size meant it was very portable, but this shouldn’t put you off in terms of information because it contains enough for a medical student to pass their exams. It has a number of excellent diagrams including plenty of pictures of x-rays of conditions which is so important in Orthopaedics and rheumatology. I thought the way it was laid out; Overview of anatomy, how to take a history and explanation of the examinations, what investigations to do and when, regional orthopaedics, rheumatology, paediatrics, trauma and then pharmacological treatment was very logical and covered everything a medical student needs to know for finals. I thought the layout was very good, it made easy reading as the text was broken down into manageable chunks. The pocketbooks tend to only use 2 colours and I have sometimes found this can make reading them a little dull. The layout in this book was brilliant. I struggle to find a fault with this book!

Posted 17th Feb 2011

James Read, Peninsula Medical School

Very well written and accessible book. The topics chosen are a little bit of an odd choice to include together in the same book but it works well. It is ideally suited to medical students, who often need to cross-reference topics to check their understanding and review the bits that they may have forgotten! The flow diagrams are especially useful and help to make the book easily accessible, especially if the information is required in a hurry such as when on the wards. The other diagrams also help to explain potentially complex topics very easily. The examinations section is very useful and each clinical case is dealt with in a systematic and comprehensive style. I would say this is an ideal introduction or revision aid to all three topics.

Posted 2nd Dec 2008

Gillian Beagan, University of Glasgow

This book is ideal for any student, or foundation year doctor. I love the fact that this book is one of the smallest pocketbooks around and yet contains a massive volume of essential information. The book is clearly written and all medical terminology is relevant and understandable; a bonus considering how many present medical books over complicate issues by adding too much medical nomenclature with lack of explanation. The book appeals to me as it addresses illness from an anatomical, clinical and practical slant; providing a holistic view of joint disease. By incorporating the musculoskeletal anatomy of the body into the book, the reader can conveniently look up any gaps in existing knowledge without having to spend great lengths of time researching several books for the same level of information. The book also contains several chapters at the beginning addressing examination techniques of the musculoskeletal system. Techniques are explained both from screening and in-depth perspectives showing relevant exams for every situation. Each individual disease follows a logical format and segregated under the standard headings of Pathogenesis, Clinical Features, Investigations, Treatment & prognosis. Many of the diseases discussed contain simple, clear diagrams that accurately explain the clinical features of disease. The inclusion of radiographs showing clinical features was particularly relevant and aided understanding of interpreting disease via investigation. An excellent purchase!

Posted 1st Dec 2008