Basic Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System, ed 3. (Reviews).

Nordin M, Frankel VH, eds. Baltimore, MD 21201-2436, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001, paperback, 484 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-683-30247-7, $49.95.

This is a well-written and clearly illustrated text that admirably serves its purpose as an introduction to the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. This third edition has been updated to include sections on applied biomechanics, and it has been expanded to include patient case studies and new illustrations. In the preface, the authors explain that they have attempted to provide therapeutic examples of main concepts and have attempted to describe the underlying basis for rational therapeutic or exercise programs. They have achieved this purpose.

The 18 chapters in this book have been divided into 3 parts plus an introductory chapter. The introductory chapter retains information on the international system of measurement; however, it has been expanded to focus primarily on introducing basic biomechanical concepts and terminology from mechanics and physics. This is a welcome addition that clearly prepares the reader to understand subsequent chapters.

Part 1 of the book includes 5 chapters that review the biomechanics of tissues and structures of the musculoskeletal system. One chapter each is devoted to bone, articular cartilage, tendons and ligaments, peripheral nerves and spinal nerve roots, and skeletal muscle. New figures and diagrams, which complement the text, have been added to each chapter. Each chapter also includes brief case studies that clearly illustrate the relationship between the biomechanical characteristics of each tissue and the causes and effects of injury to those tissues. In addition, each chapter in this part of the book includes new flow charts that also illustrate the link between tissue structure, function, and pathological changes. The chapter on biomechanics of peripheral nerves has been expanded to include discussion of spinal nerve roots, a significant feature of this text for those seeking to understand the difference between the structure and function of spinal nerve roots and peripheral nerves.

Part 2 includes 8 chapters devoted to the biomechanics of specific joints. Each chapter focuses on the kinematics and kinetics of joint motion. Most chapters in this part of the book begin with a review of specific anatomical considerations for each region and then discuss kinematic and kinetic issues. Other chapters, such as those of the knee and ankle, do not begin with this information, but include it in the discussion of biomechanics of that region. A standardized format for each chapter in this part, however, might help the beginning student. Nevertheless, this text appropriately expects some level of understanding of the anatomy of each region so that the reader may fully understand the concepts discussed in each chapter.

Calculation boxes have been added to each chapter, allowing the reader to see how basic information covered in the introductory chapter is used to increase understanding of loads and forces on joint regions. Study questions or additional calculation questions that may help the reader to apply concepts, however, have not been added to this edition. A chapter is devoted to each of the joint regions in the body with the exception of the temporomandibular joint. This is an unfortunate omission if this text is the sole text used in the kinesiology portion of an entry-level physical therapist education program. An understanding of the basic biomechanics of the temporomandibular joints is an essential prelude to planning examinations and interventions for dysfunction associated with this region.

The third part of this text is a group of 4 new chapters devoted to applied biomechanics, including fracture fixation, arthroplasty, engineering approaches to standing, sitting and lying, and the biomechanics of gait. These chapters add significantly to the usefulness of this book for readers who are interested in applying the basic biomechanical concepts to therapeutically relevant situations. Most noticeably, the chapter on gait analysis turns this book into a more complete text.

This textbook is intended to be used either in conjunction with an introductory biomechanics course or for independent study. In addition, this text will serve as a useful review for those clinicians who have had a previous introduction to biomechanics and would like to understand the therapeutic effect of this information. This third edition is a more useful text than previous editions for those readers interested in applying the content to the fields of exercise and rehabilitation, and the authors are to be commended for making these improvements. The book is well organized and would appeal to a variety of students in health care fields and professionals who are already familiar with the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and who are seeking a text that provides an introduction to the application of bio-mechanical principles to this system.

Janey Wilding, PT, MS, OCS
Northwestern University Medical School
Chicago, Ill

Daniel M Corcos, PhD
University of Illinois
Chicago, Ill

Ms Wilding is Clinical Instructor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University Medical School, and a doctoral student in the School of Kinesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago. Her area of study is in motor control and learning.

Dr Corcos is Professor of Kinesiology and Neurology in the School of Kinesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, and in the Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center. He is also Executive Editor of the Journal of Motor Behavior.