Illustrated Manual of Orthopaedic Medicine.

Illustrated Manual of Orthopaedic Medicine This work represents the authors' attempt to create for the clinician a single-volume, practical guide to the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue lesions. The intended audience includes physicians, physical therapists, and sports therapists. As the title suggests, illustrations are an integral part of the text. Photographs and drawings are plentiful and clearly demonstrate relevant principles and techniques. The illustrations thereby guide the reader through the theoretical base and practical applications of the Cyriax method of intervention.

The text is divided into sections covering each joint and each spinal level. Well-organized reference tables supplement the text and present a systematic, clearly laid-out approach to the examination of contractile and noncontractile tissues, including joint range of motion, strength, capsular patterns, reflexes, and sensory patterns. Where appropriate, alternative conditions are considered under differential diagnoses. Generally overlooked in other reference works, the dura mater as it relates to spinal area lesions is comprehensively discussed. Tables of dematomes, sensory signs, capsular patterns, and fact sheets on specific joints and spinal levels are presented in the appendix, serving as a source of quick reference and review. The authors emphasize the need for ongoing re-examination to assess the effectiveness of treatment.

Although the Cyriax approach requires close coordination of services between the physician and the physical therapist, the text shows the role of the physical therapist as limited to assisting the physician in manipulation and providing massage after the physician injects the soft tissue. Nevertheless, those physical therapists with advanced training in spinal mobilization will find the authors' presentation on manipulation particularly useful because photographs depict each maneuver step by step. Even more importantly, a thorough discussion of the rationale for manipulation is provided in addition to contraindications. Although they include no bibliography, the authors cite studies relevant to their own findings and observations.

This work represents a coherent synthesis of the authors' years of experience in orthopedic medicine. Although generally didactic in tone, the authors' systematic approach to orthopedics is useful not only for enhancing physical therapists' understanding of underlying lesions, but for improving evaluative and interventional skills.