BOOK REVIEWS

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Eye and Adnexa. Edited by RICHARD C. TROUTMAN, JOHN M. CONVERSE, and BYRON SMITH. Pp. x x + 3 o s , wi th 35 illustrations. (Washington : Butterworths. 1962.) s s- 6d.

This, as the subtitle states, is a report of an International Symposium held at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, New York, in May 1962. The contributions include virtually every lesion of the eyelids and orbit of interest to plastic and ophthalmic surgeons. The majority are by authors of international repute.

Sections on Tissue Transplantation, the General Principles of Plastic Surgery, Tumours and Injuries involving the Orbit, Congenital Anomalies of the Eyelids, Socket Repair, Lesions of the Eyelids and Facial Palsy, and Corneal Transplants are followed by a summary of the discussion which followed each session. The few papers presented in French or Spanish are accompanied by short summaries in English. All the contributions, some seventy in number, are short and at times clarity has had to be sacrificed to brevity. Economy of illustrations, although usual and understandable in a volume of this nature, frequently adds to the difficulty. Nevertheless the symposium as a whole presents not only a comprehensive and stimulating review of current practice in this field but also much that will be new for most readers.

As might be expected orbital fractures are discussed fully with interesting sections on the specialised radiography of the region and the treatment of diplopia and lacrimal complications. Schuchardt and Schmid describe their experience in the later reconstructive surgery of these injuries. Those with a special interest in malignant disease of the head and neck will find interest in a critical review of the surgical approach to orbital turnouts.

Sir Benjamin Rycroff discusses corneal grafts and their experimental significance, the management of blepharoptosis and the transantral operation for epiphoz'a. A radical operation for congenital and traumatic hypertelorism is described by Converse and Smith and illustrated by excellent line drawings. There is much that is controversial, such as the value o f " vibrating waves " or ultraviolet light for keloid scars, but this is the essence of a successful conference such as is recorded here. The au[hors are to be congratulated not only on their initiative on convening this International Congress but on the speedy publication of its transactions which embrace many of the most difficult problems which beset the plastic surgeon in this field.

J. S. T.

Principles of Bone Remodel ing. By DONALD I-I. ENLOW. Pp. 131 , with 53 illustrations. (Springfield, Illinois : Charles C. Thomas. 1962.)

This is a fascinating monograph in the American Lectures in Anatomy Series. The author is an established authority on bone structure and growth and the text serves to present his views, while at the same time discussing in considerable detail those expressed by others. The opening chapter is devoted to a historical r6sum6 leading to a critical appraisal of present-day concepts. Subsequent chapters deal with the functional and developmental basis for remodelling of bone, one chapter dealing specifically with the mandible. The theories of metaphysical reshaping and resizing, drift, the canal system in bone~ and cortical stratification are discussed and freely illustrated with line drawings and photomicrographs. A full and comprehensive list of references is appended. The monograph is indeed a basic need for all whose desire is to attempt to understand the complications of bone moulding.

W. D. M.

Fundamental Techniques of Plastic Surgery and their Surgical Applications. By IAN A. McGREGOR. Second edition. Pp. 277, with illustrations. (Edinburgh and London : E. & S. Livingstone Ltd. 1962.) s I2S. 6d.

The author has been at pains to revise the text and scope of the second edition of this work which was first published in 196o. The result is an appreciable improvement and it is now recommended as a moderately priced source of information to surgeons who handle cases of iniury , particularly in the early stages.

Although the application of fundamental techniques to individual problems must remain limited by the skill and wisdom of any surgeon, Mr McGregor performs a valuable service in revealing the capacity of Plastic Surgery at a time when this is evidently necessary. The inclusion of a short study of facial fracture work repairs a serious defect of the first edition.

This work ought to be widely read by most members of the medical profession. It lifts the veil which seemingly shrouds the true scope and purpose of Plastic Surgery from so many of our colleagues, and should be a great stimulus to further study, with advantage.

G. H. M.

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