Tarascon Pocket Orthopaedica

I'm an EM Resident on my Ortho rotation now. I carry an iPhone with Pepid, Netter and many vital medical programs. I also carry one book, this little gem. They've condensed the most important anatomy, landmarks, exam findings, etc. into a book I carry all the time in my scrub top.

My orthopaedic rotation was only 5 weeks long (PA Student), nonetheless, this book was invaluable to me. It was in my lab coat as long as I was wearing it. I just love the way it puts it all together concisely and in an organized manner

concise, good text, succinct, and some good drawings of breaks and such that all medical students need in a SMALL format to carry around in your pockets. I used some of the illustrations, blown up, on the wall in an urgent care clinic for nursing/med students/interns to see for reference. Each edition (I have 2nd)is a bit different. There are meds for skin infections, peripheral dermatomes (which I used a LOT w exams), nerve charts, ligaments, peds ortho problems frequently encountered, different types of fractures, illustrated--and emergency and gen ortho info, all at your fingertips. Small print, I needed glasses to read mine, but the one I had I used WELL. Worth the small price, but look at a copy to see if U will use it before U buy it. I used it all through Residency, I admit it.

I got this manual about a year ago as a gift, and I have really gotten a lot out of it. It's filled with very useful information, and it'll save your neck on a daily basis, at least. Ever since I got it, many of the other residents in my hospital have been buying it, and the consensus is that it can make your life a whole lot easier. The anatomy section is probably one of the most consulted ones, with a very good table with the origin and insertion of every muscle in the body, along with innervation. Of course, the handbook isn't really complete, as there are many omissions, especially in orthopaedic ailments. The trauma section is quite good, but there are many fracture classifications missing.Obviously, no handbook of this size can ever include every single item you'll need at one point or another, but this one does a good job of covering all the bases, and it's a tool no ortho resident will want to go without (and probably many attendings, as well)

A wealth of information in a small package! Whether you are an Orthopaedic resident or allied health member, you will benefit from this handy reference.