Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis, 2d ed.

The first edition of this text was developed to provide entry-level students who are studying human motion with a single source for information on basic biomechanics and on musculoskeletal structure and function. The second edition has also adhered to this objective; however, new information has been added to include recent research on musculoskeletal function and to address the changing demands and requirements of entry-level physical therapy programs. Overall, the authors have developed an excellent text for physical therapy students. There have been many significant improvements from the fine first edition, including the incorporation of new clinical and basic scientific research in existing chapters and new chapters on the temporomandibular joint and chest wall mechanics.

The text is divided into 14 chapters. Each chapter begins with an outline of the major topics of the chapter, followed by specific and well-formulated objectives for the reader. Major points of each section are often summarized in table or outline form, and clinical examples and applications are well represented. A brief section on generalized effects of immobilization, injury, aging, and disease is also presented. At the end of each chapter, there is a short summary that is followed by several study questions. The text is illustrated with simple drawings that are effective in supplementing the written material.

The first three chapters present introductory material on basic biomechanics and joint and muscle structure and function. This information is appropriate for entry-level students and includes references to many relevant clinical studies. Connective tissue mechanics is covered in greater detail in this edition, and several aspects of muscle function have been expanded. Subsequent chapters provide opportunities to apply the concepts and information presented in these early chapters.

Chapters 4 through 12 use a regional approach to describe the structure and mechanics of specific joints and joint complexes. In addition to the new chapters on the temporomandibular joint and chest wall mechanics, I am particularly pleased with the expanded chapter on vertebral column mechanics and the more detailed descriptions of normal and pathological muscle function for each region. Embryologic and developmental considerations of the musculoskeletal system are also mentioned when pertinent. The new sections of the text, which are written by guest contributors, are consistent in detail and style with the writing of the principal authors. The final two chapters, "Posture" and "Gait," build on the information presented throughout the text. Overall, the chapters are sequenced in a very logical and straightforward style.

The information in this text is relevant, accurate, and presented in a concise and very readable manner. Current areas of conflicting thought and theories are introduced when appropriate. References are complete and current; although many are from secondary sources, the majority are from refereed journals. My criticisms of this text are few and minor. Overall, the illustrations are of excellent quality and, although simple, complement the written text well. Many illustrations are reductions from the first edition, however, and the legends and identifiers are often too small to be read comfortably. Also, a random check of selected citations demonstrated occasional errors in the reference format, with some references unable to be retrieved.

The first edition of Joint Structure and Function was a welcome addition to the texts available on joint mechanics for the entry-level physical therapy student. The authors have responded admirably to suggestions for the second edition, and an excellent text for entry-level physical therapy students has evolved. Clinicians in physical therapy and other human movement-oriented disciplines will also appreciate this text as a basic reference for musculoskeletal function and

mechanics.