Knee Pain and Disability, 3d ed.

Cailliet R. Philadelphia, PA 19103-1493, FA Davis Co, 1991, paperback, 287 pp, illus, $19.95. For many years, Cailliet's books have been useful resources for physical therapists in the diagnosis and treatment of painful conditions of the spine and extremities. In this third edition, the author has added new illustrations and new sections on patellofemoral pain and ligamentous injuries. Other topics on gait, nonsurgical treatments, and treatment rationale have been expanded upon from previous editions. In the preface to the book, Cailliet states that he hopes that his book will enable patients with knee injury to receive high-quality treatment. The book serves the author's purpose well and will help acquaint the health care practitioner with commonly seen knee conditions.

This book is composed of nine chapters. The first two chapters, which address structural and functional anatomy, are excellent. These are followed by chapters on meniscal and ligamentous injuries, patellofemoral pain, the arthritides, fractures, congenital and acquired deformities, and the knee in normal and abnormal gait. The author's numerous drawings are outstanding. Chapter bibliographies are reasonably current. The book is concise, yet thorough, in most of the topics it addresses. The author intentionally strives to keep the book small, and at the current list price, it is a bargain.

The book is practical, understandable, and very readable. I highly recommend this book to physical therapists and to physical therapy students as a valuable resource for use in assessing knee problems. The student and practitioner, however, will want to supplement this book with other, more detailed references regarding conservative management, particularly stretching and strengthening techniques.

Byron E Bork, PT

The University of Iowa 

Iowa City, Iowa