Why write a book on the tourniquet? The tourniquet is used routinely in op- ating theatres throughout the world, but as far as I know there is no single book that surveys the considerable literature that has accumulated. If used sensibly, the tourniquet is a safe instrument. Most of the few complications seen with its use are preventable. However, when something untoward happens, the tour- quet suddenly becomes an interesting subject, particularly if there is the likelihood of medicolegal consequences. This book summarises the scientific background of the tourniquet and describes a safe physiological approach to preventing complications. Examples of medicolegal problems are included. Considerable progress had been made since Lister first excised a tuberculous wrist joint in a bloodless field. Many researchers have studied the effects of ischaemia and pressure on nerves and muscles. Tourniquets have entered the age of computers and are now much more sophisticated. Despite this, there is still much dogma surrounding the tourniquet in operating theatres and in textbooks. This book is aimed at orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthetists and op- ating-theatre staff. I hope that this short text will stimulate a more widespread interest in the tour- quet and improve safe practice.

Unique study of the human foot

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The Tourniquet Manual - principles and practice provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the safe use of the tourniquet by using a physiological approach which ensures good practice. Starting from a historical background the reader learns the detailed effects of ischaemia on the vulnerable tissues, especially muscle and nerve. The effects of releasing the tourniquet on the systemic circulation and the complicated biochemistry of the ischaemia-reperfusion response are explained. Complications and good practice are discussed. There is a chapter on the latest technological advances in tourniquets. This book provides a coherent account of the subject and is an invaluable source of references. It will help avoid medicolegal problems and promote good practice by surgeons, anaesthetists and operation theatre technicians alike and should be in every theatre office.

Unique study of the human foot

Sole perspective on the human foot in the market

A vast subject that includes a strange vocabulary and an apparent mass of facts, human anatomy can at first appear confusing and off-putting. But the basic construction of the human body - the skeleton, the organs of the chest and abdomen, the nervous system, the head and neck with its sensory systems and anatomy for breathing and swallowing - is vital for anyone studying medicine, biology, and health studies. In this Very Short Introduction Leslie Klenerman provides a clear, concise, and accessible introduction to the structure, function, and main systems of the human body, including a number of clear and simple illustrations to explain the key areas. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.