Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, 3d ed.

Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, ed 3 Donatelli RA, Wooden MJ, eds. Philadelphia, PA 19106, Churchill Livingstone Inc, 2001, hardcover, 671 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-443-07993-5, $75.

The goal of the updated third edition of this book was to present the current state of orthopedic physical therapy practice as it has been influenced by research, advanced education, and specialization. Forty-four authors contributed to this book, including many highly respected physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons.

This book is composed of 4 sections. The first section describes some fundamental principles, including tissue-specific responses to mechanical stress and immobilization and the cardiopulmonary and peripheral responses to exercise. This section also includes a chapter describing the theory and practice of muscle strengthening in orthopedic physical therapy, which should be extremely useful because muscle strengthening is a primary focus of many orthopedic rehabilitation programs.

The second and third sections pertain to the upper and lower quarters, respectively. The section on the upper quarter deals with the cervical and upper thoracic spines as well as the upper extremities. The section on the lower quarter deals with the thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic regions as well as the lower extremities. Both of these sections provide detailed discussions of the interrelationships of structure and function, examination and intervention procedures, differential diagnosis, and orthopedic pathology. Both sections also contain chapters describing surgical options and postoperative rehabilitation programs, which should enhance patient care and communication between physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons.

The fourth section presents unique applications for orthopedic physical therapy theory and practice. This section includes chapters describing the assessment of outcomes in orthopedic clinical practice, orthopedic problems that physical therapists may encounter in patients with neurologic conditions, and the evaluation and treatment of soft tissue restrictions and neural tissue pain disorders.

This book is a significant contribution to orthopedic physical therapy. It is extremely informative and well written, and the material is presented in a way that facilitates clinical decision making. Case studies, tables, and figures are routinely presented throughout the book, which help readers understand and apply the material. This book is highly recommended for all physical therapist students and physical therapists who manage patients with orthopedic dysfunction.

Michael D Ross, PT, DPT, OCS Cannon Air Force Base, NM

Dr Ross is the Chief of Physical Therapy Services in the Department of Physical Therapy, 27th Medical Group. His clinical interests include assessing orthopedic physical therapy outcomes and managing lower extremity dysfunction.