This book represents the work of many physicians who trained at the Hospital for Joint Diseases. Starting in the 1980s, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery initiated a weekly, didactic topic-related fracture case conference. This conference consisted of a short lecture presented by a senior resident on pertinent anatomy, fracture mechanism, radiographic and clinical evaluation, and classification and treatment options, followed by a series of cases that were used to further clarify the options for fracture care. The senior resident was also responsible for preparing a handout on the fracture topic, which was distributed prior to the lecture.

Over time, it became apparent that these topic-related fracture handouts were very useful as a reference for later study and were utilized by incoming residents as an aid in the emergency department. This resulted in the original compilation of the “Hospital for Joint Diseases Fracture Manual,” which was organized and prepared for publication “in-house,” by ourselves, two senior residents Scott Alpert and Ari Ben-Yishay, and our editorial associate, William Green. The “Fracture Manual” became very popular, very quickly. Its popularity led to the preparation and publication of the second edition. The third edition was designed, in part, to accompany Rockwood and Green’s textbook Fractures in Adults, as was the fourth edition, which was also completely updated.

We are very proud to present the sixth edition of the “Fracture Manual.” What began as handouts for our fracture conferences has evolved into one of the most widely utilized textbooks in orthopaedic surgery. We have once again tried to keep it “pocket-size” despite the ever-increasing expanse of material. Most important, we have tried to keep the “Fracture Manual” true to its roots as a comprehensive, useful guide for the management of patients with fractures and associated injuries. We hope that the users of this “Fracture Manual” find it helpful in their daily practice of fracture care.

Kenneth A. Egol, MD
Kenneth J. Koval, MD
Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD