Simon Beggs, The University of Edinburgh

This is an outstanding book covering the basics of orthopaedics and rheumatology in a highly accessible way. The content can be somewhat higher level than other orthopaedics books such as Apley's Concise Orthopaedics and Trauma - which deals with specific local conditions in a little more detail - but is nevertheless sophisticated. It's key feature is the exemplary layout and formatting, which, reminiscent of the style of Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine, is very clear and makes excellent reading. Whilst it may occasionally miss small details that are covered in more encyclopaedia-style texts, its accessibility makes it a superb buy.

Posted 1st May 2009

Sarah Edwards, Peninsula Medical School

It is the first of its kind book! Rheumatology, Orthopedics and trauma. I use to dread all three subjects especially rheumatology - but now thanks to this book I now understand it. It is clearly written, with great diagrams (especially good for me!) Its laid out in a sensible order, with key things highlighted. It also does some simple anatomy which is crucicle! Also it has some questions which are just fantastic! Superb!

Posted 27th Feb 2009

Dominic Haigh, University of Birmingham

The textbook accurately describes itself in the title, and is wisely edited by a consultant rheumatologist as well as orthopods. The sections on orthopaedics, trauma and rheumatology are preceded by covering interdisciplinary area. These include the medical management of arthritis, which is of interest to any budding GP. Basic physiology and pathology is augmented by an explanation of approach to the patient: history and examination. The nature of musculoskeletal examination necessitates the inclusion of anatomy diagrams as well as those of examinations of being performed. Generally neglected areas covered well in the text include the various types of orthoses, complete with pictures. For those of us interested in International Health, a short section covers musculoskeletal problems in the developing world including the effects of HIV, TB and haemoglobinopathies. A separate section on paediatrics is useful, especially the invaluable section on variants in gait and growing pains. 100 clinical vignettes with model answers, many based on radiographs, round off the book. Online Student Consult features bundled with the text include diagrams of special tests, and crucially photographs and radiographs of several conditions which can be copied into presentations as well as bonus multiple choice questions.

Posted 21st Jan 2009

David Miller, University of Glasgow

I has been my experience that musculoskeletal disease is particularly poorly catered for in medical school. While the basics of the musculoskeletal systems can be taught well, there is no continuity in then putting these skills into use in the clinical context. Irrelevant of your career choice there are very few medical jobs where you will not encounter people with muscle aches and pains and problematic joints, therefore it is imperative that it is learnt well, especially good examination technique. It is a very readable book and the first couple of chapters are helpful in getting a good overview of initial history and examination, basics of the relevant physiology + pathology of the musculoskeletal system and another chapter dedicated to investigations. The remaining chapters are explore the different clinical diseases. Systemic diseases are a significant medical workload and these are notably well covered. More than adequate provision for self assessment is provided by a chapter with 100 clinical cases. The answers are well written and exam-centric. There aren’t many suitable orthopaedics books designed with students and junior doctors in mind that I know of. I have also used the Illustrated Colour Text of Orthapaedics and Trauma which is very good but takes a different approach to the subject and is not designed to be at such level of detail. What made the book stand out for me was that it stuck to the common diseases and common problems rather than allowing you to get bogged down in the minutiae of the subject. While this isn’t the cheapest textbook I’ve bought, it is good value for money, its got everything needed for history and examination, general orthopaedics, rheumatology including a paediatrics section and more than sufficient self assessment. Overall, a good investment as it's a book you will be referring to for all types of future postgraduate exams and the indeed the rest of your career.

Posted 22nd Dec 2008

Puja Mehta, Imperial College, London

This is by far the best textbook for rheumatology and orthopaedics on the market. Perfect detail, excellent layout (colours, headings, tables) and unlike most other books, is impressively up-to-date, including anti-CCP and biologics. The orthopaedic and trauma section is classified well, allowing easy recall when being grilled in theatre by surgeons. The summary boxes with bullet points, emphasises key learning points such as ‘red flag’ features, for easy learning. The diagrams and pictures, including clinical images and radiology, compliment the text perfectly. The anatomy diagrams are simple, but so effective (no need to sprain your wrists or strain your eyes with a big anatomy book). Essential topics are covered, as well as interesting, rarities for distinctions. The detail is impressive, delivered in digestible bites – postgraduate knowledge with elegant undergraduate simplicity. This book is faultless…an essential buy –a great companion for medical school, but also into your junior doctor years.

Posted 5th Dec 2008