I have heard that "Netter's Concise Oerthopaedic Anatomy" is good. FYI, I have also heard that Hoppenfeld's "Physical Examination of the Spine and Extremeties" is a classic text for any ortho student/resident/attending. I am reading Hoppenfeld's right now, and I do find it helpful.

I like Netter's Concise Atlas of Ortho Anat, or something close to that. Has more than just pictures. You can usually borrow Hoppenfeld's from a resident or find one in the dept library. Aside from those two, I hung my hat on working my ass off and appearing eager/interested. Worked for me.

Netter's Concise Atlas of Ortho Anatomy is the LAW for the sub-I's.

I'd highly advise sub-Is to ask their residents what approaches may be used for the next day's cases, and to look over Hoppenfeld surgical exposures each night (with an anatomy book also) before your cases. This will tell you what internervous planes are used, and what structures are at risk. Combined with anatomy this is PRIME pimp material in the OR.

Of course the fracture handbook is also key for trauma rotations, or when taking trauma call when on other services (which is a great way to meet other residents).

I would second what okin says.

Hoppenfeld and netters is the way to go.. supplement with your regular anatomy text.

Hoppenfelds is expensive, however, so I would just goto the library for that.

Is it worth it to buy Hoppenfeld's Surgical Exposures in Orthopedics for my sub-I's for next year? Was it really helpful for anyone in 4th year?

Worried that if I rely on the library copy, others might be using it. Alos more convenient to be able to use it at home?

Get the book Tolerances for your scrub pocket and watch the surgical approaches on video...pretty much any implant company has them on their website.

I think Hoppenfeld's physical exam book is the 'classic' text but definately not the best one out there. Bruce Reider's Orthopaedic Physical Exam book is probably the most up to date and comprehensive. I have two or three physical exam books (including Hoppenfeld's) but this is the only one that is worth a second read, even as an upper level resident.

Is it worth it to buy Hoppenfeld's Surgical Exposures in Orthopedics for my sub-I's for next year? Was it really helpful for anyone in 4th year?

Worried that if I rely on the library copy, others might be using it. Alos more convenient to be able to use it at home?

I was on the joints service during one of my Sub-i's so I photocopied the hip and knee chapters.... took me an hour but saved me $200.... wasn't in color but I could scribble notes all over it.