BOOK REVIEW Neurosurgical Operative Atlas. Spine and Peripheral Nerves (3rd edition)

Spine and peripheral nerve surgeries are commonly performed in orthopaedic practice. Surgery involving the spine is complicated and risky. The preparation of the patients, number of instruments used, the cost of the procedures and the pressure felt by both the surgeon and patients are tremendous. The indemnity coverage for the spine surgeon is among the highest in the country reflecting on the amount of risk compensation involved in the area. The simplest spinal procedure like lumbar discectomy may end up with grave complications. Thus, it is understood that training in spine and peripheral nerves is tough and requiring fullest commitment. Within the period of training, the coverage of surgical procedures may not be sufficient, especially in term of number of complex spinal and peripheral nerve surgeries. Even for a fully trained surgeon, a new procedure like minimally invasive technique may require 30 to 40 cases as learning curve. Thus, development of skill in the surgery does not stop at the end of fellowship programme or training attachment in special overseas centres. It is a continuous, life long process.