Atlas of Hand Anatomy and Clinical Implications

Abstract

This text focuses on anatomy of the upper extremity and its clinical applications for upper extremity surgery. All of the illustrations are done in color, which has the advantage of distinguishing the anatomic features of different tissues. The color drawings enhanced my visual experience and I prefer them to the cut- and-dried line drawings in many standard anatomy texts. The illustrations are of very high quality and students of anatomy will enjoy “dissecting” through them. The text is divided into six units: surface anatomy and integument, skeleton and articular systems, musculotendinous system, vascular system, nervous system, and cross-sectional anatomy. This organizational structure made it easy for me to navigate through the book and to find items of interest to me. Throughout the text, there is liberal use of tables that enhance the visual relationships and anatomic features of what is being depicted. Anatomic variations are particularly relevant to the upper extremity surgeon and are well illustrated throughout the text. Cross-sectional anatomy, which is of interest to both surgeons and radiologists, is well integrated into the text. At the end of each unit, there is a bibliography, which unfortunately is not referenced within the body of the text, making it awkward should one want to further explore anatomic details using the available literature. In the first section the surface, dermal, subcutaneous, and nail anatomy is beautifully illustrated. This sets the framework for proper and improper skin incisions, the anatomy and harvesting of skin grafts, and the anatomic basis and classification of local, regional, and distant flaps. Although many types of flaps are illustrated, portions are overly simplified with details regarding indications and technical fine points noticeably lacking. The chapter on the intrinsic anatomy of the hand is particularly useful. It succinctly summarizes the complexities of the dorsal apparatus by highlighting the anatomic features, function, and relationships of each of its components. There are some inaccuracies, but they seem to be few and far between. For example, when depicting the pulleys of the thumb, a cruciate rather than oblique pulley is drawn. There are occasional inconsistencies: for example, when illustrating the dorsal radiocarpal ligaments, Figure 13–6 incorrectly depicts a dorsal radiotriquetral and radiolunate ligament but no dorsal intercarpal ligament. Later, Figure 13–6 correctly illustrates the dorsal radiotriquetral and intercarpal ligaments. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed becoming familiar with this book. Any physician dealing with upper extremity functional anatomy, ranging from resident and fellows to upper extremity surgeons, will find it an invaluable addition to his or her own library.