Talley and O'Connor older editions

[raynmm]

Hi. I am planning on buying a second-hand Talley and O'Connor (Clinical Examination: A Systematic Guide to Physical Diagnosis). The one I have my eye on is a 3rd edition. Is there anything important missing from this edition compared to the current 5th edition? If so, what is the 4th ed. like? Thanks for your help.

[Chulalongkorn]

I have the 5th ed. which is a big improvement on the previous texts IMO as it is better illustrated, the layout is improved and it comes with a useful CD-ROM of the main clinical examinations.

However, clinical examination has not changed much in recent decades and I am sure you will find any edition useful.

This book is not, however, the best clinical examination for those new to clinical examination skills- it is aimed at more senior undergraduates and postgraduate students- and it is therefore likely to overwhelm the novice with minutiae and cause confusion.

[yazoo]

Originally Posted by Chulalongkorn

I have the 5th ed. which is a big improvement on the previous texts IMO as it is better illustrated, the layout is improved and it comes with a useful CD-ROM of the main clinical examinations.

However, clinical examination has not changed much in recent decades and I am sure you will find any edition useful.

This book is not, however, the best clinical examination for those new to clinical examination skills- it is aimed at more senior undergraduates and postgraduate students- and it is therefore likely to overwhelm the novice with minutiae and cause confusion.

Agree. CD is good for novices, but book too detailed for vast majority of people starting out.

I have 4th edition. Fine for me (I got the CD with another of their books). Have not seen the 3rd but shouldn't be too dated as pointed out above. But I wouldn't pay much for a 3rd edition...