Book excerpt: The scope of orthopedic knowledge has expanded to such a degree that it has become increasingly difficult to maintain a fundamental grasp of the required knowledge base. This is compounded by the time constraints on adult learning, with the student or practitioner faced with ever-increasing demands on their time. This text is a much needed resource of orthopedic knowledge, which will prove useful not only to those in training but also to those faced by the ever-increasing demands of certification and recertification examinations. Well illustrated and organized into eight chapters extending from basic science to every specialty of orthopedic surgery (such as hand, foot and ankle, sports medicine, and spine) and put forward in outline form, the reader will find it easy to locate information on a specific subject for direct patient care, conferences or rounds, or examination review. Alternatively, the organization of each chapter facilitates an overall review of the subject matter. By virtue of its succinct style of presentation, this text will prove exceedingly useful to students and practitioners throughout the world.