To write such a book requires dedication and collection of talented contributors. Looking at the talents and the contents, it seems that Dr Parekh is providing justice to new book. The first of many books in orthopedic surgery related to foot and ankle was written by Dr Pieter Camper 1722-1789, Amsterdam with the title as Oberon den be stern Shoen 1781. Dr Henry Hancock, in 1873, wrote Operative Surgery of the Foot and Ankle. Since then, there have been a few books written in this subject; so this will be one more addition with updates for the future.

Early on the problems came from congenital conditions, neuromuscular disorder, infections, and trauma. Such conditions still exist in emerging countries and underdeveloped countries but on top of that there are additional problems related to athletic injuries, performance-related injuries such as dancing, ballet, quality of life such as compromised functions from shoes and the type of shoes, etc.

With further advancement of knowledge and experience and with innovations in diagnostic modalities, the improvements of functions and reduction of disabilities have been made possible as we all know.

Innovations such as arthroscopic surgery as diagnostic and therapeutic, soft tissues balancing, the problems of cartilage, bone and the rest has added to our knowledge in healing the hurt better, faster and with long-standing functional improvements. Autologous cartilage, allografts, synthetic soft tissues, cartilage, bone, stem cells and the rest will add to the overall treatments for foot and ankle disabilities in times to come so that the book can be helpful for future as well—the technical aspects for sure.

The book such as this coming from experts and global authors with distinct interests in foot and ankle— anatomy, pathology and the best way to manage the disabling conditions will be possible from good topics and descriptions in the book. The authors have taken a keen interest in collecting data and articulate them well; and, of course, Dr Parekh deserves commendations for collecting this group of talented individuals for the publication of this textbook on foot and ankle apart from his deep interest and contributions in this subject.

The publishers deserve foresight and thanks in making this happen for the students to learn and execute.

Selene's decision to edit a textbook designed for Asia has much to do with his background. We were the children of hard-working, educated, and scientific parents that came from the Western part of India to the USA in the 1960s. Our father, Gunvant, was disciplined, principled, and championed traditional views, including contributing to society, whereas Mom, Bharati, was very occupied with empathy, softer skills and “making every human being feel at home”! Being raised in this household, Selene was a wonderful product of both skill sets. Selene's passion for orthopedic medicine probably emanates from his academic nature, athleticism, and ability to work with his hands and mind at the same time. After graduation from the Accelerated Medical Program at Boston University's School of Medicine with top honors where he also obtained an MBA, he completed his Orthopedic Surgery Residency and Fellowship in Foot and Ankle Diseases at the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, USA. He then started his academic career in North Carolina where he is currently an active member of the Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Service at Duke University.

Over the years, he has contributed in significant ways to the literature, the Foot and Ankle Society in the USA, and the delivery of foot and ankle medicine. As a novel specialty, foot and ankle medicine has made many strides over the decades in North America. This has not been the case in other parts of the world including India where Selene, his wife Zankhna, and The Parekh Family Foundation put on India's first dedicated Foot and Ankle course. In Bollywood terms, the course was a “superhit,” and many of India's premier orthopedic surgeons asked for more of this type of course and instruction. Selene's textbook will serve as a manual for this endeavor and growing need and he has recruited some of the USA's and world's finest orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons to achieve this!

As his brother and fellow physician/eye surgeon, I am certain that the readers of this textbook will gain more than is intended and keep it as a ever-ready reference in foot and ankle diseases. The world has become a commonplace not only for information technology and healthcare, but also foot and ankle diseases, and, hence, Dr Selene Parekh's Foot and Ankle Surgery!

Foot and ankle orthopedics has inspired my life. It is an area of orthopedics that is evolving very quickly, and spans trauma, sports medicine, total joint replacement, reconstructive surgery, and pediatric orthopedic surgery. Unlike other subspecialties in orthopedics, I find most of the foot and ankle pathologies to be poorly understood. It is these opportunities that make it easy to make a difference in the lives of foot and ankle patients.

This book has been written as a resource to learn about the current surgical and nonsurgical options for foot and ankle pathologies. The contributors span the globe, providing readers with insight and experience from a number of countries. Preferred surgical techniques are also described.

I hope that this book will inspire some to seek a career in orthopedic foot and ankle surgery, while others, discover a heightened interest in this area of orthopedics. At minimum, this book should serve as a comprehensive reference book to come back to whenever a foot and ankle surgery is being planned or a foot and ankle patient is in the office.

Enjoy!

In particular, I would like to acknowledge my mentor and friend, Keith L Wapner, MD. He ignited the passion of foot and ankle surgery in me, and reinforced the importance of family above all else. Finally, I would like to recognize Dr Rajiv Shah from Baroda, India, who has served as a good friend and advisor in developing the vision of the Indo-US Foot and Ankle Conference and this textbook.