Clinical review of oral and maxillofacial surgery

  • S. C. Bagheri &
  • C. Jo
UK: Elsevier price £57.99; pp 464 ISBN 032304574X | ISBN: 0-323-04574-X

This informative book is written in a concise manner on this considerably vast subject. It is not intended to replace a full scope oral and maxillofacial textbook. The two leading authors, Shahrokh Bagheri and Chris Jo, are Clinical Assistants of a Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery based in Atlanta, Georgia. They have an abundance of experience in this field having worked in several university and teaching hospitals including Oregon and Washington, USA. The general aim of this book is to provide a case-based approach to learning that can successfully be applied to the management of patients presenting with conditions seen in the speciality.

The 14 general chapters, ranging from oral and maxillofacial radiology to medical conditions, are divided into separate short sections that present a specific topic. The topics are presented as clinical cases, with 95 in total, which represent the modern practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery. A CD-ROM is included with this book which features two simulated exams that allow the reader to review the material and evaluate their skills. Each exam has 200 MCQs with feedback.

The text is well written and supported by radiographs, scans and photographs. I feel that it would have been more appropriate to include coloured photographs, rather than black and white, and to include them on the first page of each section. However, a full range of coloured photographs are included in the CD-ROM which is some consolation. There is a chapter devoted to facial cosmetic surgery which is an important inclusion due to its increasing demand. The overall general content is very good.

The book is targeted at a wide range of readers from trainees to consultants, especially those taking examinations. It provides a rapid comprehensible approach to disorders and conditions and therefore can be highly recommended.