Clinical Mechanics of the Hand, 3rd Edition

Dr. Freeland, certainly an expert in hand fracture repair, has combined his basic science knowledge and extensive clinical experience to produce an excellent monograph that summarises his current approach to the repair and rehabilitation of the different types of fractures of the hand, wrist excluded. This book should not be regarded as a comprehensive encyclopaedic treatise on the treatment of hand fractures, but as a representation of the current views of a international expert in the field: it pays attention to surgical details that emanate from the author’s long experience and is an excellent supplement to hands-on instruction for those willing to improve their ability in the treatment of such injuries. The introductory chapters contain a concise summary of the current knowledge of the anatomy, biomechanics and bone healing biology, on which the treatment of such injuries needs to be based. An overview of the various treatment techniques and types of implants that are available is presented, and the different rehabilitation modalities are discussed. In the following chapters, the most common varieties of fractures of the finger and thumb metacarpals and phalanges are addressed systematically, integrating both the old established treatment modalities with the newest concepts and techniques. New strategies, including latest-generation low-profile mini implants, intramedullary pins and external fixators are discussed in the context of each specific injury. Especially helpful is the last section on how to deal with complications such as nonunions, deformed malunions, infections, tendon adhesions and joint stiffness. The material in this book is well organized, though possibly a little too tightly arranged, with inadequate spacing between chapters. Each section is followed by an adequate list of references for additional reading, though there are no citations in the text. The quality of the illustrations is excellent, and only an occasional X-ray is less than optimal. Because of its clear, concise writing style, this book can be read in its entirety without much effort. Dr. Freeman’s ability to synthesise his experience in dealing with these fractures was already evident from the many chapters that he has contributed to other books. The current publication represents a fine updated expansion of that excellent work. I recommend it highly, both to hand surgeons in training and practicing hand surgery specialists, as a standard reference for the treatment of hand trauma.