I know the editors well and they are to be congratulated firstly for their concept of bringing together a series of very practical teaching cases and, secondly, for assembling some of the world's most notable arthroscopic knee surgeons.

There are multiple ways of learning but often, if I read a paper in a scientific journal, or even listen to a lecture given by a notable speaker, I am left with a feeling: ‘what do they actually do in real life?’. The fine details, tips and pearls are often not covered in such presentation of information. With case-based teaching, such as in this book, these invaluable technical aspects are not overlooked.

I am greatly looking forward to reading the final text.

It is accordingly refreshing to examine the goals of the present textbook and the approach taken by Dr Sachin Tapasvi and Dr Anshu Shekhar, which is to provide the “Master Clinicians” of these chapters the opportunity to share their thoughts and decision-making into specific clinical treatment controversies. This approach provides valuable insight into the experience of these surgeons for the treatment approaches that are outlined. I recommend closely examining each chapter and determining (1) why the author selected the treatment outlined, (2) the scientific body of evidence to justify the approach, and (3) the clinical outcomes. I personally enjoyed the opportunity to “peek into the minds” of seasoned and respected clinicians regarding their thinking and reasons for the treatment approaches provided.

The chapters in this book reflect common knee disorders that will present to the clinician in which the diagnosis and treatment must be accurate, precise, and based on the best available scientific evidence including basic science, biomechanics, and biology of healing. In addition, the chapters include the enormous skill sets with advancing sophistication of arthroscopic surgery. There are multiple presentations on the treatment of meniscus injuries that emphasize the importance of retaining meniscus function and repair of the many different meniscus tear patterns. The saying is true; “as the meniscus goes, so goes the knee”. The surgeon must have the knowledge base and operative skill set to manage the complex malalignment problems that occur that may be devasting to knee function. For example, varus malalignment problems are now commonly recognized and treated by osteotomy. However, the equally important valgus malalignment in the female that produces early lateral tibiofemoral compartment arthrosis and patellofemoral arthrosis, is still often not recognized until the patient presents late in their third or fourth decade with advanced arthrosis of both knee compartments. The chapters on ACL injuries contain all the many aspects of the treatment approaches and current controversies, including ACL graft selection and placement, and questions on the necessity for added extra-articular lateral reconstructive procedures. This controversy has been a subject of multiple publications from our Knee Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio.

One final point is that I have always been so grateful to physical therapists and athletic trainers who provide expert care in rehabilitation before and after complex knee surgery that represents a critical part of the treatment team needed for the success of the operating knee surgeon. These highly skilled and trained professionals follow objective rehabilitation protocols for the return of knee function and advance the patient through progressive rehabilitation phases for the safe return to activities of daily living, recreational, or elite sports activities. A point needing emphasis is the published high reinjury rate after ACL surgery of 20–30% to either the surgical or opposite knee, which is may be markedly reduced with following objective criteria of muscle strength, balance and neuromuscular training. This is really important for all athletes and even more so for the female elite athlete. Over 20 years ago, we developed a neuromuscular return to activity training program involving strength, plyometrics, agility, and other return to athletics performance tasks called Sportsmetrics which is a non-profit treatment program sponsored by our Foundation and in practice throughout the USA and world.

The treatment of knee disorders, both nonoperative and operative, is truly a team approach of many experts in all disciplines. The athlete may have serious issues related to a fear of reinjury and the long course it takes to recover from the knee injury. We must continue our approach as that of Shepherds and Stewards to guide the athlete through the required steps and interaction with our team to accomplish the goals of our patients. It is our obligation and commitment to provide the very best to our patients, maintaining our knowledge base at the highest level, scientifically evaluate treatment advances regarding our treatment approaches, and set the standards of excellence for all team members. It has been my joy and passion to treat my patients with a highly dedicated team of experts from multiple required disciplines for over four decades. I sincerely wish all of my fellow orthopedic surgeons the encouragement and success in establishing their own team. The knee injuries and disorders we treat in our patients may truly be life and career altering. As orthopedic surgeons, there is the wonderful opportunity and gift to give to our patients that takes many years of training to master. The success of our treatment approaches and surgery and the gratitude of our patients is more than ample reward that makes every day our dedication explainable and justified.

A novel education tool is to teach and learn from personal experience and practice, which is molded and modified with time. This book is a humble attempt to compile and amalgamate the clinical experience and execution of some of the masters of knee arthroscopy. The representative case presentations are designed to provide maximum yield to the busy reader of today, without diluting the scientific value. We have taken utmost care to compile every possible scenario involving the ACL, meniscus and cartilage and malalignment that is seen in the clinic. The planning and execution of such cases are in most cases devoid of a consensus, and therein lies the value of experience in judgment. It is a great honor for us to have some great teachers and clinicians, who have contributed to this book and allowed us a peek into their great minds. The section of current evidence is to update the reader about what is the flavor of the season and present state of affairs. With more than 500 illustrations, we hope the power of visual application will be worth a thousand words!

We would like to stress that this book is by no means a technical guide or a theoretical treatise, because there can be no shortcuts in learning and perfecting skills. However, this crisp presentation is meant to stimulate the thinker in the clinician to explore the possibilities of science, instead of being driven by the dogma of perception.

A special note of thanks to Professor Frank Noyes and Dr Andy Williams, who have written Forewords for the book. Their words of appreciation and encouragement drive us to keep improving in our efforts toward achieving excellence.

We would like to thank Tapasvi Charitable and Medical Center, Pune for providing us the financial grants to undertake this project.

The teamwork from all our colleagues, especially Dr Rajendra Kulkarni, Mrs Asawari Bhende and Mr Amit Ligade was vital. This allowed us to continue with our regular work schedule while working for the book simultaneously.

Lastly, the team at Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd has worked tirelessly for making this dream a reality. The efforts of Sabarish Menon and Nikita Chauhan are definitely worth applauding.

Finally, to all you readers, who felt that this book was worth reading!