Put the power of new knowledge into practice

Every 3 years, the AAOS condenses the most critical issues and developments shaping orthopaedic medicine into one resource: Orthopaedic Knowledge Update. The 11th edition of this valuable reference (OKU 11) debuts at the 2014 AAOS Annual Meeting.

Editor Lisa K. Cannada, MD, believes this comprehensive update “meets the needs of today’s orthopaedic surgeons—whether you’re a resident looking for an overview or current references on a topic or an experienced practitioner preparing for recertification.”

The new text also includes information on medical issues for athletes, such as concussions, as well as on professionalism and ethics, care of the geriatric patient, and evidence-based orthopaedics. “There are new chapters on disease footprints (genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics), soft tissue coverage options in the lower extremity, and vertebral compression fractures,” she added.

For the first time a bonus DVD supplement is included with the text. The DVD brings key concepts and procedures to life with videos of clinical evaluation, procedures, and surgical techniques as well as hundreds of high-quality images. DVD links to Internet content provide users with unprecedented access to source information.

As editor, Dr. Cannada took extraordinary steps to ensure that OKU 11 is not only supported by clinical research but also informed by practical experience. “I had no qualms about pulling in people who are smarter than I or better than I to help and make this a good product,” she said. “I used all my contacts and invited the most respected leaders in the field to attend the editing sessions. Several chapters had guest editors, experts in the field who reviewed the final materials. Besides the section editors, the entire section on pediatrics was reviewed by a community orthopaedist to ensure that the needs of that audience would be met.”

Section by section
The first section, Principles of Orthopaedics, has three editors—Theodore Miclau, MD; Saam Morshed, MD; and Kristy L. Weber, MD—to provide the necessary attention to detail that’s required. According to Dr. Weber, “The 15-chapter first section of OKU 11 has a diverse selection of authors and topics. The chapters on bearing surface materials and coagulation, blood management, and thromboembolism have been updated to use the latest evidence and guidelines.”

Section 2—Systemic Disorders—was edited by Javad Parvizi, MD, FRCS, and includes up-to-date scientific information related to bone, cartilage, muscle, nerve, and collagen disorders. “During the last decade, orthopaedics has seen remarkable achievements,” he explained. “The chapters are written with the clinicians as the main audience, and synthesize pertinent scientific discoveries into a comprehensible, appropriate clinical framework. Any potential for therapeutic opportunities is discussed, and a separate chapter on molecular diagnostics is also included.”

According to William N. Levine, MD, editor of Section 3 (Upper Extremity), OKU 11 will help keep generalists and specialists up-to-date. “Shoulder and elbow surgery continues to evolve at a rapid rate and OKU 11 captures all of the highlights in this fast-changing field. Video accompaniments to the print chapter are also an exciting new addition and will assist the reader in more deeply appreciating the content.” The section includes a special focus on trauma, reconstruction, and athletic injuries.

Section 4, Lower Extremity, goes beyond trauma and reconstruction to discuss bone loss, soft-tissue coverage options, sports injuries, and amputations. Section 5, Spine, includes chapters on disk diseases, spinal infections, tumors, and vertebral compression fractures. The final section, Pediatrics, covers everything from fractures and athletic injuries to skeletal dysplasias, connective tissue diseases, neuromuscular disorders, and congenital conditions.

An essential reference
“When asked to serve as editor for Section 5 (Spine), I agreed without hesitation,” said Mitchel B. Harris, MD, FACS. “OKU editions are extremely helpful study tools for residents and practicing orthopaedists who are preparing for recertification exams. I hope that readers find OKU 11 both helpful and educational.”

AAOS members will be able to meet Dr. Cannada and other editors of OKU 11 during the 2014 Annual Meeting. “We’ll be in the AAOS Resource Center Tuesday through Friday in Academy Hall E,” said Dr. Cannada. “Fellows can ask questions about the sections and find out how this book came to be. We’d be delighted to autograph copies!”

For more information on OKU 11, visit www.aaos.org/OKU11