Article Outline

• Copyright

The objective of this book according to the publisher is “to deliver the broad practical knowledge of the foot and ankle treatment in a high yield format”. This aim has been successfully achieved by the two editors and many contributors. There are 29 chapters which cover the whole spectrum of the speciality, and provide a useful introduction to anyone who wants to cover an outline of the subject.

Despite the emphasis on brevity of the text, the chapter on examination could be improved with a section on the importance of a careful history including past illnesses and operations. This is too basic to be omitted. It is just as important as the physical examination. One must never forget, even in a core book, that one is treating a whole patient not just an appendage at the end of the lower limb. Also, for future editions I suggest in Chapter 1, on anatomy and biomechanics, there should be more stress on the importance of the elastic plantar fascia and the arch mechanism and its spring-like effect on the foot as was so well demonstrated by Professor Neill Alexander of Leeds University. Compared with other animals it now appears the human foot is well adapted for running. There is a good chapter on amputations but little on prostheses. Also mention should be made of how to measure and record the weightbearing function of the foot by pedobarography.

Nevertheless, these are minor points and for someone with a minimal acquaintance of problems of the foot and ankle this book will provide a good starting point, although European readers will find few references to the journals they commonly read.