Gartsman’s Shoulder Arthroscopy, 3rd Edition

By Hussein Elkousy, MD

ISBN: 9780323529013

Pub Date: 4/4/2018

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

Description

The authors have done a great job of updating the classic technical book on shoulder arthroscopy from Gary Gartsman. Indeed, over the past nine years, many techniques have blossomed, making many of them even more accessible to general orthopedic surgeons. This edition includes access to a website with technical videos of the most common of shoulder arthroscopic techniques. The previous edition was published in 2009.

Purpose

The primary goal is to present a perspective on how to approach arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Indeed, while any given mentor will have his/her own valuable pearls and preferences, the authors do a nice job of presenting various universal fundamentals that will be applicable to virtually any other subtle modification. The book and the added web access do a remarkable job accomplishing the goal. The stepwise technique images coupled with the videos are wonderful in educating readers on how to follow the correct sequence to assure a good outcome.

Audience

The audience clearly is orthopedic surgeons in practice or training who wish to perform arthroscopic shoulder techniques ranging from instability to cuff pathology to stiffness. I had a hard time putting the book down as I garnered new valuable pearls in each section.

Features

The book goes through diagnostic arthroscopy, then targeted pathologies such as cuff, instability, and stiffness. The sequential images do a super job of demonstrating the concept of “how to” reproduce these techniques. The section on ultrasound is cutting edge and brings the book into modern orthopedic practice. The images are of great quality.

Assessment

Ultimately, I love this new edition of the classic technical how-to book on shoulder arthroscopy. I strongly recommend it for residents in training, fellows in sports medicine, and shoulder surgeons, as well as for general orthopedic surgeons or arthroscopists who want to advance their skill in arthroscopic shoulder techniques.

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