Musculoskeletal Disorders: Common Problems.

The purpose of this book is to increase the reader's understanding of the relationship among functional anatomy, pathology, clinical signs and symptoms, and treatment of musculoskeletal problems, The book is written primarily for physical therapy students and is based on the author's extensive teaching experience in the area of musculoskeletal physical therapy. Information in each chapter provides the reader with a well-organized framework to establish a strong base of knowledge of musculoskeletal problems.

The book contains 11 chapters that are organized in a logical manner. Chapters 2 through 5 and 7 through 10 are devoted to the major musculoskeletal regions of the body. The regions include cervical spine; shoulder complex; elbow, wrist, and hand; thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine; hip region; patellofemoral joint; tibiofemoral joint; and ankle and foot. The remaining 3 chapters discuss basic principles of musculoskeletal disorders, an introduction to the McKenzie approach to the evaluation and treatment of low back pain, and an introduction to fractures.

The chapters addressing regional considerations provide the reader with a brief overview of relevant functional anatomy. Anatomy and biomechanical components of each chapter provide a framework for the discussion of musculoskeletal problems in adult patients frequently encountered by physical therapists. Pathology, etiology, common clinical features, and treatment guidelines are presented for various musculoskeletal problems. The content of the book is limited to descriptions of region-specific problems and does not include coverage of comprehensive assessment techniques for musculoskeletal dysfunction. Differential tests, however, are included for the cervical and lumbar spine, and the shoulder.

Chapter 1 covers a broad categorization of musculoskeletal disorders and common clinical findings and treatment objectives. The relationship between the stages of inflammation and physical therapy intervention is discussed. Useful insights into the development of an interpersonal relationship between the patient and clinician are also provided in this chapter. Chapter 6 provides an overview of the McKenzie approach to low back pain and defines for the reader the three characteristic syndromes. Clinical findings from the subjective and objective assessments are considered along with appropriate treatment strategies. The final chapter discusses classification of fractures, etiological factors, and fracture healing. Common fractures of the upper and lower extremities are described, and implications for rehabilitation are briefly addressed.

Each of the 11 chapters is well organized, and information is presented in a clear and concise manner. The outline format highlights clinical features. treatment guidelines, and additional topics and enhances the simplified presentation of information. Illustrations are used to reinforce concepts in the text. A limitation of the book is the lack of case studies, which could serve to reinforce the relationship among functional anatomy, pathology, clinical signs and symptoms, and treatment.

Subject matter is generally presented in detail that is appropriate for entry-level physical therapy students. Treatment guidelines are intentionally presented in a general format by the author to allow for variability between patients and treatment approaches. Both primary and secondary references cited in the text provide direction for readers who want to expand their understanding of certain topics.

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Common Problems contributes to physical therapy practice by providing a framework to facilitate a basic understanding of patients with a variety of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. This book is a worthwhile resource for entry-level physical therapist and physical therapist assistant students during the musculoskeletal component of their education. This book will also serve as a practical reference for inexperienced clinicians. Physical therapy educators may draw on the organization and simplified presentation of content to facilitate the development of instructional methodology for teaching musculoskeletal problems.

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 measures and with a specific focus on functional outcome assessment for lower-extremity dysfunction.