Fundamentals of Orthopaedics.

Fundamentals of Orthopaedics Brinker M, Miller M. Philadelphia, PA 19106, WB Saunders Co, 1999, paperback, 390 pp, illus, $49.

The initial intent of this text, according to its authors, was to provide a basic orthopedic text for medical students, primary care providers, and young orthopedic residents. However, on completion of this work, the authors recognized its potential appeal to a much wider audience, including other physicians and residents, chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, and nurses. The authors' goals were to have a text that could be used as a clinical reference for providers of musculoskeletal care and that would allow the rapid acquisition of knowledge about various musculoskeletal conditions and provide a blueprint for treatment and referral. In my opinion, the authors have succeeded.

The style of this text is different from most orthopedic textbooks. Information is presented in expanded outline form, not in complete sentences. This style allows for quick access to material without wading through a lot of text, which should be of some benefit to busy clinicians. The book, as in most orthopedic texts, uses a regional anatomical approach to present most of the information, beginning with the shoulder through the upper extremity (chapters 8-13), the cervical spine through the pelvis (chapters 14-16), and the hip down to the foot (chapters 17-22).

In addition, chapter 1 is a brief but good review chapter on the basic science of musculoskeletal tissues, genetic musculoskeletal conditions, and basic biomechanics and biomaterials. Chapter 2 contains an overview of anatomy, physical examination, and the purpose and use of common medical diagnostic tests such as radiographs, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography. Other chapters cover general principles of fractures and dislocations (chapter 4), medical considerations in patients with musculoskeletal conditions (chapter 6), orthopedic devices and implants (chapter 7), and common orthopedic conditions in adults (chapter 3) and children (chapter 5).

The chapters are not referenced, but a suggested reading list by topic area is provided at the back of the text. Numerous illustrations highlight each chapter, many of which are referenced from commonly used orthopedic texts by noted authors such as Magee or DeLee and Drez. The text also contains a glossary of commonly used orthopedic abbreviations and an appendix of commonly used medications in musculoskeletal medicine.

If in-depth reading on a particular topic in orthopedics is what you are looking for, this text is not for you. However, as far as creating a quick clinical reference, these authors have succeeded in putting together a complete, well-organized text. There is no reason why this text should not be in most general physical therapy departments as a reference for busy clinicians who do not specialize in orthopedics but who see patients with musculoskeletal conditions as part of their overall patient mix.

Mark A Anderson, PhD, PT, ATC University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City, Okla

Dr Anderson is Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies. He teaches and conducts research in areas related to sports physical therapy.