It seems as though it has only been a short period of time since publication of the second edition of Basic and Clinical Anatomy of the Spine, Spinal Cord, and ANS. The first two editions of this ambitious work have been an important reference for me. I have been most appreciative of the clarity of expression and the illustrations, making this a primary resource for the student of spinal anatomy. I have never hesitated to recommend readings to learners at many levels, all of whom have appreciated the ease of understanding of text and figures, while not sacrificing the academic rigor that one would expect from authors who have spent their lives researching and teaching about the spine. I highly recommend this work to any health professional engaged in treating patients with spinal disorders and particularly to those who might be struggling to stay abreast with current concepts.
As remarkable as it seems, and as fresh and relevant as the information contained within the second edition continues to be, it has been 8 years since publication of that edition. Over this period of time there have been advances in imaging, clinical biomechanics, physiology, and pathophysiology that necessitate revisiting some of the concepts presented in the book. I am impressed with the way in which volumes of recent literature have been distilled to a level that is both understandable and useful to students and practitioners alike. As an educator, I am particularly looking forward to the improvements and additions to the already excellent figures and illustrations since I use them liberally in my teaching. I am very certain that you will find the third edition to be a great contribution to your library whether you are a beginning learner, an advanced practitioner, or an educator looking to stay current with today’s advancements.
Drs. Cramer and Darby, with the able assistance of colleagues in the Departments of Anatomy and Physiology at National University of Health Sciences, have again updated and improved a remarkable resource for both clinicians and students.
This new edition of Clinical Anatomy of the Spine, Spinal Cord, and ANS is designed to facilitate a learner’s understanding of important anatomic concepts and their relationship to clinical practice. The most important aspects of this book include comprehensive coverage of spinal anatomy and related neuroanatomy, with clear explanations of structural relationships, the extensive use of illustrations and photographs to enhance anatomic detail, and numerous well-referenced clinical pearls that relate anatomy to clinical care.
Every chapter has been updated with new illustrations and images. Several chapters have undergone major revisions and expansions. The authors have embarked upon an evidence-based approach by supporting the book’s content with new research reports and reviews.
Anatomy faculty and students will find that this book goes beyond a mere description of the structures of the spine and nervous system. It strives to explain how a structure develops, to uncover patterns of distribution, and to foster an appreciation of the morphologic basis of variation. Anatomic facts are presented within the context of their mutual relationships and clinical relevance. This inevitably leads to comprehension of the underlying principles involved and facilitates anatomic reasoning and easier acquisition of additional morphologic facts and concepts.
For the clinician, this book provides essential background knowledge for the safe and appropriate care of patients with neuromusculoskeletal disorders of the spine. Special emphasis is placed on structures that may be affected by manual spinal techniques.
I highly recommend this invaluable resource to all students and practitioners who regularly care for patients with spinal disorders.
At our institution the text Clinical Anatomy of the Spine, Spinal Cord, and ANS has been required for many years in the anatomy courses that cover various aspects of spinal anatomy and neuroanatomy. We teach anatomy at a high level of detail and this textbook helps us to accomplish the appreciation of anatomy of the spine and related neuroanatomy in the depth and breadth we feel are important.
The text completely reflects what we want to present and teach in our courses. The content is academically sound, detailed, and remarkably well organized. The writing is clear and easy to understand. The material is current (including use of the most recent morphologic terminology), clinically applicable, well illustrated, and fully referenced.
The broad range of topics is covered in depth. Clinical applications are included throughout every aspect of the book, and the text has excellent bridges between morphology and clinical diagnosis. For example, Chapter 11, Pain of Spinal Origin, is presented as a case study and would be very appropriate for use in gross and/or neuroanatomy courses of programs that deal with the treatment of disorders of the spine. The chapter focuses on the mechanisms of back pain, which is the primary symptom that confronts clinicians when diagnosing and treating spinal disorders.
The content is essential for students and clinicians who plan to diagnose, treat, or prevent disorders of the spine. Having a single text devoted to all aspects of spinal anatomy (from embryology and pediatrics to the pathoanatomy of spinal degeneration) and related neuroanatomy allows students and practicing clinicians to concentrate on the anatomic relationships of the spine, related neuroanatomy, and clinical applications of the anatomy, without having to access separate texts of embryology, histology, neuroanatomy, and gross anatomy.
I recommend this book as a required text for all anatomy courses that teach in-depth content related to the gross and microscopic anatomy of the spine, neuroanatomy of the spinal cord and related tracts, and neuroanatomy of the autonomic nervous system. I also strongly recommend the text to all clinicians who treat disorders of the spine.