Decision Making in Spinal Care

Anderson DG, Vaccaro AR, eds. New York, NY 10001, Thieme, 2007, paperback, 528 pp, illus, ISBN: 978-1-58890-415-7, $69.95.The purpose of this book is stated well on the back cover: “Concise coverage of the entire spectrum of common spine conditions.” The editors brought together 89 distinguished medical practitioners to write 70 chapters in a clear and concise manner and in identically structured chapters. All chapters are 4 to 6 pages in length, prefaced with decision-making algorithms and finished with annotated lists of suggested readings. Need to know an orthopedist's decision making on the management of ankylosing spondylitis? Review the chapter with the same title. Management of primary spinal tumors? Just find the chapter.Each chapter follows the consistent outline of: classification; workup, including history, physical examination, spinal …