Peter Ward Booth Stephen A. Schendel Jarg-Erich Hausamenf Maxillofacial Surgery 2nd edn. 2006 Churchhill Livingstone Elsevier Illustrations in black and white, ISBN 0 443 10053 5

Abstract

This 1621 page, two volume set, is the second edition of the international Maxillofacial Surgery text. This updated version is divided into four parts: Trauma, Oncology, Craniofacial Deformity and Oral Surgery. Each part, when appropriate, is further divided into sections to better delineate conditions and treatment. A total of 140 internationally known specialists have authored the 83 chapters which provides a cross-cultural representation. New to this edition are three additional chapters: ‘Vascular Lesions of the Head and Neck’, ‘Controversies in Office-Based Surgery’, and ‘Ankylosis of the Temporomandibular Joint’. The material and information in each chapter is well written. This is always an editor's challenge, especially since the contributors not only represent a cross-section of medicine, surgery and dentistry, but also a host of nations. An interesting format addition to this edition is the inclusion of Key Points at the beginning of each chapter and, Pitfalls at the end. Key Points is a list of the most important information of each chapter while Pitfalls contains a list of problems that could arise when providing care. This appears to be very effective in summarizing each chapter. The illustrations are well done. However, some of the black and white photos and radiographs could have been of a higher quality. With digital photography and diagnostic imaging, a new standard has emerged which should begin to be represented in all publications. Of interest are the images on the text. They are part of the Saving Faces Art Project from ‘The Facial Surgery Research Foundation’. The painting is of Henry de Lotbinière who had undergone treatment for adenoid cystic carcinoma. Maxillofacial Surgery, 2nd Edition is a timely, well-written, comprehensive two volume text on the present state of the art of modern maxillofacial surgery. It is unique in that it is written by many of the leading international specialists across many disciplines. All libraries at training centres should have a copy for reference and it is highly recommended as the most current comprehensive text in maxillofacial surgery.