George Bentley has edited the third edition of Orthopaedics, the two-volume specialty section of Operative Surgery: Fundamental International Techniques (general editors, Charles Rob and Rodney Smith). Over 60 contributors, primarily from the United Kingdom, have participated in producing chapters ranging from "Artery Repair" to "Ingrowing Toe-nail." The list of persons involved contains an impressive number of highly respected surgeons, who discuss topics they are eminently qualified to present. The second most impressive aspect of this work is its price, $225. Despite the quality of the contributing staff, the final product will not justify the expense for most practicing orthopedic surgeons, house officers, or students.
In the introduction, Mr Bentley defends individuality as a traditional strength of orthopedic surgery and has allowed authors to describe their own "methods in their own style within the overall framework." This is where the problem begins. With few exceptions, only a single approach to any