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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
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
P r e f a c e
T
