Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics

History of Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics

Nearly 80 years ago, Dr. Willis C. Campbell set down in longhand his vast knowledge of orthopaedics in a volume he called Textbook on Orthopaedic Surgery. This became the first edition of Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics, published in 1939. The book has been revised and updated by Campbell Clinic staff members every four to seven years and has been translated into seven languages. Medical professionals around the world often refer to Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics as “the bible of orthopaedic surgery.”

The 14th edition of Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics, published in 2021, consists of four volumes containing over 4,000 pages with descriptions of nearly 1,900 procedures. Included is a digital format that allows viewing of more than 40 operative procedures. New illustrations, diagnostic images, and clinical photographs illustrate many orthopaedic conditions and comprehensive surgical treatments. New material in the 14th edition includes updated information on the latest devices in spine surgery and fracture fixation as well as minimally invasive techniques conducive to outpatient surgery in upper and lower extremity treatment.

The Campbell Clinic Foundation provides all the research, editorial, graphics, and administrative support for the publication. The text is written entirely by Campbell Clinic surgeons, with most of the Clinic’s physicians contributing to the 14th edition. Edited by Dr. Frederick Azar and Dr. James Beaty, the purpose of the book remains unchanged from Dr. Campbell’s vision: to present up-to-date reliable information that allows orthopaedic specialists to provide the best of care to their patients.