This new text is devoted to the basic concepts and clinical applications of rigid internal fixation. The book provides a large amount of information collected from 56 authors divided between the United States and Europe. The editors have taken a great amount of care to provide authors who have significant experience and expertise in the use of rigid fixation. Additionally, although all three editors are distinguished plastic surgeons, they have used the talents of individuals of various disciplines giving the text a more eccumenical approach. All specialties involved in the treatment of the facial skeleton are represented.
The text is divided into sections that flow in an orderly sequence. Beginning with basic concepts of rigid fixation, it proceeds on to include the various systems that are currently employed in rigid fixation. This clearly is the strength of the text because a detailed discussion of each system is included. In fact, many of the chapters are written by the originator of the system. This unique approach allows both the novice and the experienced surgeon to gain an appreciation of the advantages and disadvantages of each currently available system. The remainder of the text concentrates on the clinical applications of rigid internal fixation. Again, a unique perspective is taken with an entire, separate section being devoted to trauma, orthognathic surgery, congenital craniofacial deformities, and tumors. Unlike other texts that touch on these subjects in a "shotgun" manner, each author devotes a chapter to every possible clinical scenario including surgical approaches and complications. In fact, one would be hard pressed to find a clinical situation that is not covered.
The technical aspects of the text include a wide range of illustrations. These incorporate line drawings, schematics, radiographs, clinical illustrations, and color photomicrographs. Regardless of the type of illus-