Orthotics in Neurologic Rehabilitation.

The purpose of this fifth volume in the Comprehensive Neurological Series is to serve as a pocket reference on orthotics for the neurorehabilitation community. This book begins with two introductory chapters that are entitled "Basic Principles of Orthotics in Neurological Disorders" and "Principles of Gait Analysis." Subsequent chapters that include information about various uses of orthotics include "Stroke"; "Multiple Sclerosis"; "Peripheral Neuropathies"; "Spinal Cord Injuries"; "Neuromuscular Disorders," including various types of muscular dystrophy and postpolio syndrome; and "Wheelchairs and Aids to Ambulation."

This volume was written by a variety of professionals including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and orthotists who have worked with patients who have neurological disorders. The editor advocates the team approach in communication by stating that orthotics, as a body of information, can be invaluable in the management of the patient with chronic neurologic disease. Just as important, however, is communication among various health professionals to ensure that orthotic devices are fabricated correctly to meet the specific needs of the patient with neurologic disease.

There is a brief, well-written chapter that addresses gait analysis, with movement in various joints being analyzed by planes of motion, and that has excellent tables and complements the text. Other chapters of the book, although containing valuable information about conventional and more modern orthoses, are in many cases too brief to be of value to even the entrylevel practitioner. As an example, the description of various orthoses or shoes to be used with an insensitive limb is only two pages in length. The editor states that this book is not intended to supplant other, more comprehensive texts. Unfortunately, the descriptions of how orthoses can be used in the treatment of various neurological conditions lack adequate detail, and in-depth discussion of orthotic indications and contraindications was not provided. The chapter on wheelchairs contains measuring parameters for fitting a patient for a wheelchair; however, photographs for good and faulty alignment would have enhanced the text.

A list of references to enable the reader to obtain more in-depth information about the various orthoses is included. Manufacturers' addresses, in addition to their names, would have been helpful so that the reader could obtain literature on the various orthoses including standing frames and specialized mobility devices.

Overall, this book is easy to read, provides references after each chapter, and contains a well-written chapter on gait deviations. The shortcomings of being too brief and including only orthoses pertaining to adult neurological conditions rather than a more comprehensive view of orthopedic and pediatric conditions, unfortunately, make this book of little value to a student or practitioner.