Continuous Passive Motion (CPM): A Biological Concept for the Healing and Regeneration of Articular Cartilage, Ligaments, and Tendons. From Origination to Research to Clinical Applications.

Salter RB. Baltimore, MD 21202, Williams & Wilkins, 1993, hardback, 419 pp, illus, $115.

The purpose of this book is to provide an overview of continuous passive motion (CPM), both scientific and clinical, since its origination in 1970. This purpose is certainly accomplished in this comprehensive, well-written, and easy-to-read monograph.

The book's intended audience includes postgraduate medical and surgical students, musculoskeletal basic scientists and clinician-scientists, orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, rehabilitation physicians, physical therapists and occupational therapists, orthopedic and rheumatologic nurses, and orthopedic technicians. The book provides information that is relevant and of sufficient depth to satisfy each member of the intended audience. The text contains 511 illustrations and 1,043 references for readers interested in reviewing the original research papers and texbooks addressed within this monograph.

The book consists of 33 chapters and is divided into five parts. Part 1 provides a comprehensive background for the information presented in the remaining four parts of the text. Part 1 includes coverage of the normal structure and function of joint tissues, the reactions of joint tissues to disorders and injuries, a history of motion versus rest in joint treatment, and the reasoning that led to the origination of CPM.

Part 2 describes animal studies conducted by Salter and his coinvestigators. New Zealand white rabbits were used in experiment to determine the effects of CPM on pathologies affecting joint integrity. A chapter is devoted to each of the 19 pathologies. These chapters are mainly detailed summaries of published papers. Part 2 also includes a chapter of relevant basic research conducted by other scientists.

Part 3 describes the clinical applications of CPM that have been used by Salter and his coinvestigators. Many case studies are presented. The case studies are very helpful because they describe various CPM devices and treatment protocols that have been successfully used. This section also includes a chapter describing clinical investigations conducted by other clinicians and a chapter with the recorded transcript of a symposium on CPM.

Part 4 includes an epilogue that lists future investigations with CPM that Salter intends to conduct. To assist the reader in studying CPM, a chronological listing of all the articles and abstracts written on the topic by Salter and his coinvestigators is provided. Part 4 also includes a chapter that summarizes each of the previous chapters in the book. This chapter could have been eliminated, as the author already provides an excellent, concise conclusion at the end of each chapter.

Part 5 consists of an appendix that gives a brief overview of engineering considerations used in constructing the CPM devices. Specific construction details are not given.

I highly recommend this book for clinicians, educators, and researchers desiring an up-to-date, well-written monograph on the use of CPM.