Rothman-Simeone and Herkowitz’s The Spine – 2 Volume Set, 7th Edition

By: Steven R. Garfin, MD
ISBN: 978-0-323-39397-3
Pub Date: 1 Dec 2017

Reviewed by: Mark R Hutchinson, MD (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)

Description

This two-volume set is truly a reference on everything to do with the spine. This is a timely update of the 2011 edition, which is clearly needed due to this continually advancing field. This edition also includes access to an online version with videos.

Purpose

This edition remains true to the original concepts and goals of the book to correlate basic science, natural history, clinical outcomes, and current treatments of spinal disorders based on established scientific principles in the evidence-based literature. The book accomplishes these goals with the classic print version, which will be a great reference for the office or personal library, and even more so with the online version, which allows direct reference to the entire two volumes wherever there is access to a computer.

Audience

The intended audience is clinicians at all levels, including medical students, residents in training, fellows, and attendings who treat patients with spinal conditions or need to understand the underlying principles that guide treatment options and outcomes. The editors are impressive, as is the broad range of authors who have contributed each valuable chapter.

Features

If I was to choose one word to describe this book, it would be comprehensive. Unlike other books that focus on singular subtopics in this field, this is truly a go-to reference for all things spine. Each section is color coded, allowing for quicker reference between sections. Section categories range from basic science to anatomic sections of the spine, and from diagnosis to specific pathologies in the spine. This is a classic that should be a core reference in every orthopedic program and medical school library as well as for fellows and attendings practicing spine surgery.

Assessment

Overall, I am confident that this edition will take an honored and well-used position in both the institutional and personal library. It is a wonderful reference on the spine and is a timely replacement for the sixth edition. I am confident it will quickly become THE go-to spine reference for our residents in our departmental library.

Doody’s Review Service Weighted Numerical Score: 93 – 4 Stars!