Handbuch der Neurochirurgie: Peripheres und Sympathisches Nervensystem

The third part of the seventh volume of the Handbuch der Neurochirurgie is another monumental work worthy to be added to the great undertaking of Springer-Verlag. This volume treats the peripheral and sympathetic nervous system. The pathology and surgery of the peripheral nerves and vegatative nervous system, including the extensive index of literature up to 1973, cover approximately 600 pages. An additional chapter (100 pages) discusses spinal operative procedures for pain, including surgery on the nerve roots and tractotomies.

I am especially happy to see the surgery and pathology of the peripheral and vegetative nervous system be given such a broad examination. Too many neurosurgeons, especially our colleagues in England, have neglected this aspect of the neurosurgical specialty and this portion of the nervous system has become the domain of the orthopedic surgeon. This had led to early reconstructive surgical procedures with emphasis on tendon transplants and so on without