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My ancestors practiced orthopedics (traumatology) for generations. By the time it reached me, it had been three generations. Our family has always been dedicated to saving lives and helping others, not seeking trivial profits. When I was young, my father handed me a book titled *Renzi Xu Zhi* (Requirements for Filial Piety), saying: "This book is actually an aid to the Six Channels (a theoretical framework in TCM representing disease progression), embodying the great way of human relations. Those who wish to fulfill their duties as children should begin their study here." Therefore, from childhood until adulthood (around age 20), besides studying literature, I also paid attention to medicine. Alas, I am untalented and burdened with deep faults; my natural endowment is dull, and I cannot carry forward my ancestors' achievements or glorify their virtue. In my youth, I suffered the grief of losing my father (Zhiqi zhi bei, referring to the death of parents). I once heard that there were medical books hidden at home, recorded by my late father. His handwritten notes still remained. Thus, presuming upon my limited knowledge, I excerpted discussions on formulas and herbs for trauma, added methods for reducing fractures and dislocations, gathered pearls and jade (collected essential knowledge), and compiled this work to continue my predecessors' aspirations, as detailed in the following precepts:

1. Orthopedics did not have a specialized department in ancient times but was attached to Yang Yi (surgeons specializing in sores and wounds). According to the *Rites of Zhou*, physicians were responsible for four types: Ji Yi (internal medicine), Yang Yi (surgery), Shi Yi (dietetics), and Shou Yi (veterinary medicine). Yang Yi managed four conditions: Zhong Yang (swelling sores), Kui Yang (ulcerated sores), Jin Yang (injuries caused by metal blades), and Zhe Yang (fractures caused by falls and blows). Jin Yang refers to injuries from sharp metal objects; Zhe Yang refers to fractures from falling or striking. Later, specialists emerged, sometimes called Zheng Gu Ke (Orthopedic Department) or Zheng Ti Ke (Body Alignment Department). Now that we have separated these into specific departments, they all stem from injuries, hence the name "Shang Ke" (Traumatology).

2. The table of contents first explains canonical principles, then discusses bone theory, followed by manual techniques, and finally details syndrome differentiation and treatment. The bones of the entire body, from the crown to the heels, are listed in order like stars in the sky. Regarding formulas, they are grouped by category. Pills, powders, ointments, and elixirs are too numerous to list individually by full name; instead, they are summarized by character count, such as "Three-Character Pill," "Five-Character Powder," or "Seven-Character Elixir," listed sequentially for easy reference.

3. The texts of *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot) and *Su Wen* (Basic Questions) are the ancestors of medical science, akin to the Five Classics for scholars. Their profound origins warrant their placement at the beginning of the volume. For commentaries on meridians by various schools throughout history, scattered within the collection, I have carefully verified authors and sources. Even a single phrase or word is not plagiarized without attribution; I strictly cite "So-and-so in Book X says." Occasionally, I include one or two personal statements, not to assert subjective views arbitrarily, but to cite ancient texts to validate modern applications before elaborating fully.

4. Pulse diagnosis is one of the Four Diagnostic Methods (Inspection, Auscultation/Olfaction, Inquiry, Palpation). Although external signs of trauma are visible, the deficiency or excess of the five internal organs and the flourishing or decline of Qi and Blood cannot be fully understood without examining the pulse. Therefore, I extensively quote the *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic) and provide detailed annotations to facilitate learning and comprehension.

5. There are few articles on acupuncture and moxibustion, not due to omission but because the original texts are concise yet comprehensive. For instance, discussions on needling and moxibustion cover both reinforcing and reducing methods simply and thoroughly. Students should not neglect these techniques merely because they are not the primary focus of this specialty.

6. Bone diagrams and theories are based on the *Bu Ban Jing Shu Tu Zhu* (Illustrated Commentary on Officially Promulgated Classics). Rare cases of homonyms (different bones with same names) or synonyms (different names for same bone), or one name for multiple bones, are clarified. Variations in bone size and length between genders are also detailed and explained uniformly. Critical points where injury may be fatal are separately marked.

7. Discussion of tendons is crucial for fracture reduction. The classics state: "All tendons belong to the joints." Joints are the articulations of bones. Specialists in this field must study them. Here, I annotate according to the *Ling Shu*, providing clear guidelines for students.

8. For treating sprains, dislocations, and fractures, manual techniques such as massage, pushing, grasping, and aligning are applied first. Only after this can splints and bindings be used, and herbal prescriptions are addressed subsequently. This sequence follows the compilation style of *Yi Zong Jin Jian* (Golden Mirror of Medicine), with minor additions. Manual techniques are noted under each bone section. Methods involving support props (Qian and Jian) are appended to expand the rules.

9. Syndrome differentiation and treatment are based on Xue’s *Zheng Ti Lei Yao* (Classified Essentials for Body Alignment), the principles of *Ling Shu* and *Su Wen*, and other schools' methods. However, sweating is categorized under fever, and hematemesis under vomiting. Compared to *Yi Zong Jin Jian*, I have added sections on external pathogens, loss of appetite, headache, tendon spasms, Liver Fire, damp-phlegm, bruising, ulceration, non-healing, wind-cold invasion, and convulsions. Although these are accompanying symptoms, their clarification provides valuable reference material. Comments in the annotations are derived from extensive research of classics and historical texts. Subjective observations based on personal experience are included for experts to evaluate.

10. From the vertex bone to the heel bone, detailed annotations are provided, along with clinical cases of manual treatment. Two additional sections on the throat and abdomen are added to supplement the body diagram.

11. Traumatic injuries often affect the limbs. The upper limbs have three dislocation areas (shoulder, elbow, wrist) and sites for proximal and distal fractures. The lower limbs have three joint areas (hip/tiao-kuan, knee bend, ankle) and two fracture sites (thigh, shin). Each side has four fractures and six joints, mirroring the upper limbs. My family's secret methods for reducing fractures are meticulously documented based on bone charts and shared with peers to benefit medical practice.

12. Formulas for pills, powders, ointments, and elixirs include detailed processing instructions and dosages for easy preparation in emergencies. Decoctions may lack specific dosages if ancient weights are impractical for modern constitutions or if contemporary formulas allow flexibility. Ancient formulas with different ingredient ratios are cross-referenced with various texts to determine appropriateness before inclusion.

13. Sections on injuries and bites correspond to the *Jin Gui Yao Lue*'s description of injuries from metal, blades, insects, and beasts, which are neither purely internal nor external causes. Simple remedies collected under these headings are general-purpose, as the diseases themselves do not vary significantly in nature.

14. Attached simple remedies are ancient unique formulas recorded in various sub-school texts, all proven effective. To prevent them from being dismissed or ignored, I highlight them so that people in remote areas without access to doctors can select appropriate formulas easily and quickly.

15. This book collects all relevant discussions on sprains and fractures, leaving no stone unturned. Oral techniques from specialists and folk remedies from villagers, if tested, are included. As Su Dongpo said: "If it works in the world, it need not originate from oneself." However, bizarre methods or ingredients like fetal bones are excluded. The work comprises twelve volumes, focusing exclusively on this specialty. May students cherish it.