Growth, whether in biologic system or in an intellectual
one, is not a linear phenomenon. In the very recent past,
transplantation of the kidney and its impact on the whole field of
immunology and genetics has given rise to the entire field of transplant
surgery. At the same time, a completely new specialty has arisen as a
result of the work of Blalock and Taussig, Gross, and others -- cardiac
surgery. In brief, growth within the field of surgery has been nothing
short of remarkable in the past two decades.
The transposition of muscle and musculocutaneous flaps
is then an idea whose time has come. Because of muscle flaps,
musculocutaneous flaps, arterialized flaps, and microsurgical
techniques, the entire field of plastic and reconstructive surgery is
undergoing a remarkable period of growth and metamorphosis.
The need, therefore, for such an atlas of muscle and
musculocutaneous flaps is immediate and obvious. The book, however, is a
guide, and each surgeon interested in the field should use the book as
it is intended. The atlas is not a cookbook to clinical pratcice, but
rather is a guide to anatomic dissection so that clinical skills can be
enhanced thereby.
Drs. Mathes and Nahai have firsthand knowledge in the
field. They have participated from the start in the development of this
exciting aspect of reconstructive surgery. They have spent countless
hours in the laboratory and subsequently in the operating rooms at Emory
University and at Washington University to detail the precise vascular
anatomy of muscle and the overlying skin. To the end of safe clinical
practice of reconstructive surgery they have written this book.
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