This book has now reached its third edition, but rather than just correcting typos and modernising the layout, it appears that there have been significant additions to justify this new print run. There are new chapters on the anatomy of the craniocervical junction and the management of major haemorrhage, and several other chapters have been thoroughly updated (e.g. closure of CSF leaks). This edition now also includes high quality cadaveric dissection images which are mainly used for the more advanced operations (the alternative is often blood-stained operative images with no discernible anatomy).
As I am unfamiliar with previous editions of this book, I have based this review on the merit of a new purchase, rather than aiming at those seeking to update their personal library.
It is clear from the outset that Professor Wormald (the sole author of the book) is an accomplished educator. I was so impressed that he has taken the time to use as many methods of teaching as possible to produce this work. An obvious example is the use of images and mixed media throughout. Most textbooks will use line drawings or operative photographs, with a section on radiology. This book uses all of these image modalities on almost every page. Typically, there are six images or so on every page, all wonderfully clear and relevant. In those areas of challenging anatomy, the structure is broken down into its basic building blocks, to which complexity is then incrementally added. This is the basis of the ‘Three-Dimensional Reconstruction’ in the title; by the end of the chapter, you should be able to visualise the anatomy in all dimensions.
Twinned with these images, there are constant references to the online video library that accompanies this book. These videos are of high quality (but standard resolution), and complement the text well. They range from the basic (e.g. inferior turbinoplasty) to the advanced (e.g. a truly terrifying resection and reconstruction of a clival chordoma with carotid encasement).
The text is clear and well written, and great effort has obviously been made to ensure that the reader understands exactly what is being described. To me, it felt that the text was based on carefully rehearsed teaching, which has been refined over the years based on experience and reflection. Perhaps this book's concept was to try and recreate the experience of being a trainee under the guidance of Professor Wormald?
I have struggled to criticise this book, although if I were extremely pedantic I would say that some of the line drawings are of variable artistic quality. Although functionally effective, some could do with cosmetic refinement.
My impression of this book is that it should not be considered a ‘reference textbook’ to be dipped in and out of; rather, it should be read (and viewed) cover to cover to gain the intended experience. It is a shining example of how I think a medical textbook should be written, with learning at its heart. I cannot recommend the book highly enough for the aspiring trainee, although I am sure that the advanced practitioner would also find it extremely useful.
