International Orthopaedics (SICOT) (1999) 23:252

© Springer-Verlag 1999

BOOK REVIEW

Disorders of the great toe. Edited by Robert S. Adelaar, AAOS 1997, ISBN 0-89203-168-9 Accepted: 30 September 1998 This monograph gives a clear presentation of the subject and has good illustrations. The composition is logical with a brief overview of the anatomy, biomechanics, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical and paraclinical examination and treatment of disorders of the great toe. Each section ends with a comprehensive list of references. The first section deals with athletic injuries. It has a good summary of the anatomy and biomechanics of the great toe. The part concerned with the classification and mechanism of the injuries is particularly well written with good illustrations. The section on treatment has a handy algorithm for the management of athletic metatarsophalangeal joint injuries of the great toe.

The second section deals with the hallux rigidus. There is a comprehensive description of both the conservative and surgical management of the disease. There is full account of athrotomy, the Moberg and Keller procedures, cheilectomy, arthrodesis and prosthetic replacement. The third section describes the disorders of the sesamoids of the hallux. It gives a fine survey of the varieties of clinical conditions that make up this disorder. The final section addresses hallux valgus. There is a comprehensive description of the types of operation available depending on the severity of the deformity. The specific complications for each procedure are described. This monograph is recommended reading. It gives a good and comprehensive overview of the essential problems found when dealing with the disorders of the great toe. O. Maagaard Christensen Herlev, Denmark