Evaluation of Orthopedic and Athletic Injuries.

Starkey C, Ryan J. Philadelphia, PA 19103, FA Davis Co, 1996, hardback, 592 pp, illus, $49.95.

The purpose of this book is to increase the reader's understanding of the evaluative component in the management of athletic injures. The authors present evaluation information concerning general orthopedic problems and specific dysfunction unique to athletes. Additional material is provided to facilitate the reader's comprehension of the emergency assessment and management of athletic injuries. Evaluation of Orthopedic and Athletic Injuries provides the entry-level sports medicine practitioner with a discussion of the skills and processes necessary to facilitate the effective management of athletic injuries both in the clinic and on the field.

The book contains 18 well-organized chapters presented in moderate detail. Chapters 1 and 2 provide the reader with an overview of the clinical and on-field evaluation process, a generalized description of common athletic injuries, and selected imaging techniques. Chapters 3 through 16 focus on regional considerations. The anatomic regions include the foot and toes, ankle and lower leg, knee, patellofemoral joint, pelvis and thigh, spine, thorax and abdomen, shoulder and upper arm, elbow and forearm, wrist, hand and fingers, eyes, face and related structures, and head and neck. I he remaining chapters address gait, environmental injuries, and cardiopulmonary conditions.

Chapter 1, "The Injury Evaluation Process," presents a general framework for clinical and on-field evaluations. The evaluation format includes the following components: history, inspection, palpation, functional testing, neurological testing, and special tests. The clinical and on-field evaluation process is consistent throughout the book. Additional considerations are discussed and include universal precautions against blood-borne pathogens and the roles of different health care professionals. Documentation is briefly addressed. Chapter 2 provides the reader with an overview of injuries to muscle, bone, ligament, and neurovascular structures. This chapter concludes with a discussion of selected imaging techniques that include radiographs, computerized tomographic scans, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scans, and ultrasonic imaging.

The remaining chapters are organized in a manner that includes basic clinical science information, clinical evaluation processes and skills, and the evaluation and management of on-field injuries. The review of basic anatomy and physiology provides a framework for the basis of evaluation of the specific region. A comprehensive presentation of clinical and on-field evaluation skills specific to the anatomic region follows and is integrated into the basic evaluation framework. Within each chapter, key clinical findings are summarized for diagnoses frequently encountered in the sports medicine setting. Chapters conclude with on-field evaluation techniques, management strategies, and protective equipment considerations for common athletic injuries.

Current and clinically relevant knowledge is derived from primary and secondary references. Information is presented in a clear and concise manner with illustrations, photographs, and tables to reinforce concepts in the text. Key terms are defined at the bottom of each page and in a glossary to assist the reader with understanding the information. A limitation to the book is the lack of case studies that could serve to highlight the decision-making component of the evaluative process.

Evaluation of Orthopedic and Athletic Injuries is useful as a fundamental reference for athletic training students and certified athletic trainers. This book contributes to physical therapy practice by expanding the physical therapist's understanding of the clinical evaluation of injuries specific to athletes. In addition, the book provides a framework for the development of basic skills concerning the assessment and management of on-field athletic injuries. This book is a practical resource for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants with an interest in expanding their knowledge of sports medicine.

Douglas R Keskula, PhD, PT, ATC Medical College of Georgia Augusta, Ga

Dr Keskula is Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy with research interests in the reliability and validity of clinical measurements, with a specific focus on functional outcome assessment for lower-extremity dysfunction.