Weinstein Lovell and Winters Pediatric Orthopaedics 7e

P r e f a c e

his seventh edition of Pediatric Orthopaedics repre- sents a complete renovation and reorganization of the central textbook of pediatric orthopaedics. The editors and publishers have worked to incorporate into the main textbook the atlas material (which in the past stood as a separate volume) so that the surgeon can move seamlessly from background and indications to surgical technique and outcomes. The science of pediatric orthopaedics has now been married to its art, to create a comprehensive source for those who care for children and adolescents with musculoskeletal problems and injuries. Incorporating the atlas has been an immense task, relying on the hard work and patience of many: authors, editors, the artist, and production personnel. We are gratified to see that the final product accomplished our vision to meet the needs of the modern pediatric orthopaedist. Since the last edition, the field of pediatric orthopaedics has moved forward at a rapid pace and grown substantially in the number of orthopaedists who make caring for chil- dren the central part of their practice. Basic science work in molecular biology, genetics, and embryology continues to inform our understanding of etiology, but there is still much mystery and very little therapeutic intervention at this time. There have been innumerable advances and changes in stan- dard of care in many areas in the last few years: clubfoot, hip dysplasia, limb deformity, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, pediatric sports medicine, spinal deformity, musculoskel- etal oncology and infection, and upper extremity disorders. Meanwhile, trauma care has become more operative, achieving better results with more rapid mobilization. One clear trend in T

pediatric ­orthopaedics is subspecialization. To give readers the most evidence-based and cutting-edge information, we have enlisted the expertise of a large number of new authorities in many different pediatric orthopaedic subspecialties. We have asked these experts to synthesize the literature, provide the best indications for surgery, describe the best procedures in careful detail, and warn the reader about potential pitfalls in care. One unique strength that sets this pediatric orthopaedic textbook apart is the tremendous diversity of expertise from around the world. The authors of this edition hail from 28 dif- ferent centers of excellence and several countries from around the world. By inviting such a wide range of authors from so many different institutions, we have avoided a narrow, paro- chial approach to solving orthopaedic problems for children. In many cases, the chapters are coauthored by experts from different centers, so that each can critique the other when nec- essary. We live in an age where parents can learn more about a condition in twenty minutes on the Internet than most clini- cians could learn years ago sorting through textbooks and jour- nals for hours. We also live in an age where families and payers are demanding increased attention to quality and value. In this seventh edition of Pediatric Orthopedics , we have worked to assemble a single source of information so the pediatric ortho- paedist can deliver the highest quality and highest value care and satisfy the information needs of the most informed and sophisticated families they encounter.

SLW and JMF

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