Greenberg MS. Handbook of Neurosurgery. 8th ed. Thieme; 2016; 1650 pp; 150 ill; $109.99
Despite ever-expanding editions of Handbook of Neurosurgery, the eighth edition (published in 2016) adds significantly to the seventh edition (published in 2010). Not only is it longer (by 324 pages), but it is indexed more clearly; has 15 pages of abbreviations that are used throughout the book, organized logically; has 12 new contributing authors (now numbering 43); and has color-coded sections to facilitate referencing material. Dr. Greenberg has packed into this new edition issues with which we deal every day. Interestingly, he and his contributors refer to the level of evidence/strength of recommendation for procedures they describe.
There are over 100 chapters divided into sections: Anatomy/Physiology; General Medicine (as pertains to neurosurgery)/Neurology; Imaging/Diagnostics; Development Anomalies; Coma/Brain Death; Infection; Hydrocephalus; Seizures; Pain; Peripheral Nerves; Neurophthalmology/Neurotology; Primary Tumors of Neuroepithelial Origin (including WHO guidelines and genetic and mutational aspects); Tumors of Non-Neural Tissue Origin; Head Trauma; Spine Trauma; Spine and Spinal Cord; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Aneurysms; Stroke and Occlusive Cerebrovascular Disease; Intracerebral Hemorrhage; Differential Diagnosis (based separately by radiographic findings or signs/symptoms and whether these are cranial or spine); Procedures/Interventions/Operations; Appendix (with 8 tables of often-used grading systems in neurosurgery and neurological diseases). There are, of course, many tables also scattered within the appropriate chapters.
As one might expect, there are some chapters and some information that are not pertinent to neuroradiology; however, the majority of the material is germane to our day-to-day practice. While the print size (font) is small, that was the only way Dr. Greenberg could fit all of this encyclopedia and useful information into one softcover book. It now fits (barely) in the pocket of a lab coat, but if in 6 years the ninth edition 9 expands by another 324 pages, it might no longer fit.
Scattered within sections of chapters are helpful color-highlighted areas such as key concepts, summary material, drug information, practice guidelines, and signs/symptoms. There are vanishingly few radiologic images in this book, but that is fine because the intent is not describe findings but rather to set down principles for evaluation and treatment.
There are, of course, many books on neurosurgery available, but to this reviewer, Dr. Greenberg’s newest edition is highly useful and the best way for a neuroradiologist to have at his/her finger tips a complete overview of the field.
