A Basic Science Primer in Orthopaedics.

A Basic Science Primer in Orthopaedics

Edited by Bronner F, Worrell RV. Baltimore, MD 21202, Williams & Wilkins, 1991, hardback, 253 pp, illus, $55 in this reference work, the authors sought to provide a clear, authoritative presentation of the scientific and clinical principles that underlie the practice of orthopedics. The intended audience includes undergraduate students of the skeletal system, resident physicians, and dentists.

The text is divided into three sections: Section I deals with bone as a tissue, functionally, developmentally, and genetically; section 2 covers the mineral metabolism of hone; section 3 presents a variety of clinical problems. Throughout, the emphasis is placed on pathophysiology, with special attention paid to the cellular, subcellular, and molecular mechanisms that underlie these pathological states.

Sections 1 and 2 resemble medical physiology texts; they are exceedingly technical in nature and seem most appropriate for their intended audience. Although this work clearly is not meant for physical therapy practitioners, much of section 3 provides worthwhile reference material for physical therapists, particularly the chapters on musculoskeletal biomechanics and neuromuscular function. The biomechanics chapter emphasizes the mechanical characteristics of tissues and fixation devices rather than focusing on joint biomechanics, as do most kinesiology texts. Although highly technical and medically oriented, the chapter on neuromuscular function in relationship to the skeleton is valuable to those physical therapists seeking detailed information on nerve injury and its sequelae. The sections on normal and diseased joints, tissue repair, fracture healing, and bone tumors provide excellent, detailed resource material for physical therapists seeking in-depth information on these topics.

Where appropriate, charts, photographs, radiographs, and graphs complement the text. This reference work does not contain footnotes, but a suggested reading list follows each chapter. The text is logically laid out, although a subsection of one chapter chapter 14) is mislabeled. The authors have created a reference work that is clearly best suited to a medical audience; however, physical therapists may find certain sections useful for the expansion of their knowledge base. Eugene Pavone, PT

Rockland Physical Therapy Service Spring Valley, AT