Orthopedic Therapy of the Shoulder.

Kelley MJ, Clark WA, eds. JB Lippincott Co, Philadelphia, PA 19106, 1995, hardback, 462 pp, illus, $49.50.

This book is an outstanding addition to the physical therapy literature. The authors have compiled a very unique text, which, at first glance, does not seem to be all that much different from recent books and articles written about rehabilitation and physical therapy of the shoulder. What is unique about this book is the application of basic science, kinesiology, and general medicine to the diagnosis and rehabilitation of maladies of the: shoulder complex. Kelley and Clark have solicited the assistance of well-known authors to assist in the development of their text. It is composed of 1 1 chapters that discuss anatomy, biomechanics, selected pathologies, diagnostic studies and surgical techniques, physical examination, manual therapy, use of modalities, rehabilitation exercises, motions related to throwing, occupational shoulder injury management, and case study management.

The chapters reference both classic literature and recent studies that provide for an up-to-date school of thought. The chapters are well referenced, and there are beautiful pictures and graphs supporting the text. I found the information contained within the text to be useful clinically and also from a basic science standpoint. As a clinician with 16 years of experience, I found new information in this text that has been helpful for me in the treatment and rehabilitation of shoulder injuries that I deal with in my day-to-day practice. I also found the information to be complete and easy to understand so that it could be used in undergraduate and graduate levels for physical therapy students studying this unique joint.

With all of the new textbooks and treatises on shoulder injuries being published in recent years, I feel that Kelley and Clark's book is unique and one of the easiest to read. it is also directly clinically applicable. I would place this book on the list of texts that would be an absolute necessity for all physical therapy libraries, both institutional and personal. It was a pleasure to review this text, and I anticipate that it may become one of the "classics" in the physical therapy literature.

Steven A Hoffman, PT ATC, SCS North Hills Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy Pittsburgh, Pa

Mr Hoffman is owner and director of North Hills Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy. He bas written book chapters on elbow and shoulder rehabilitation.