Surgical Anatomy of the Ocular Adnexa, David R.Jordan, LouiseMawn, Richard L.Anderson. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2012.

Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2012.This is the second edition of this monograph, the ninth of 18 thus far in this series sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and edited by Dr. Richard Parrish. The first edition of this monograph traces its origins to a dissection manual for ophthalmology residents created by Gardner Watson, MD, from his copious dissection notes compiled throughout his career at the University of Ottawa. The lead author, ophthalmic plastic surgeon David R. Jordan, MD, also from the University of Ottawa, is the link to this lineage. This is not immediately apparent however because none of the academic affiliations of the three orbital and oculoplastic surgeons who authored the monograph are listed. The amply referenced text of about 200 pages is laid out in logical chapters, covering scalp and eyelids, orbital bones and fascial compartments, extraocular muscles, innervation, vascular and lymphatic supplies, and the nasolacrimal system. This text is illustrated with photographs of cadaveric dissections completed by ophthalmology residents at Ottawa and the intraoperative dissections of the author(s). The text benefits as well from the artistic hand of illustrator Tim Hengst whose work is elegantly on display. The chapters are well organized, edited in a single voice, and the text is written simultaneously at two levels. It is detailed enough to serve as a source for the ophthalmic plastics fellow if read verbatim but can be an equally valuable introduction to the anatomy of lids, orbit, and nasolacrimal system for the ophthalmology resident, optometry resident, or fourth year optometry student when read selectively. The basic text is amplified with numerous vignettes on clinical application that offer the reader the answer to the perennially asked question “why do I need to know this?” Some unconventional nomenclature used for anatomical structures departs significantly from that used in standard anatomy texts (e.g., styloid canal substituted for the facial canal and stylomastoid foramen), but unlike novice medical and optometry students, the intended audience will be able to figure these out. If there is a significant limitation to this text as a contemporary companion for the orbital surgeon in training, it is the surprising absence of even a single computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging in the monograph. Given the frequency with which imaging is used these days to identify anatomical landmarks and map an optimal surgical approach, an opportunity was lost in not providing the anatomical insights that such experienced surgeons likely bring to the reading of these images. Thomas F. Freddo Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

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