The Hand: Fundamentals of Therapy, ed 3.

Boscheinen-Morrin J, Conolly WB. Woburn, MA 01801-2041, Butterworth-Heinemann Inc, 2001, paperback, 255 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-7506-4577-6, $49.50.

The original purpose of this text was to describe the relevant anatomy, biomechanics, and evaluation and management principles for various hand problems. This third edition continues this emphasis, and, at the same time, the content has been expanded, paralleling the specialized growth of hand therapy. The format, which emphasizes the importance of the clinical examination and sound treatment approaches, is concise, easy to read, and supplemented nicely with relevant figures, photographs, and schematics. The authors, a hand therapist and a hand surgeon, have integrated their respective backgrounds into each of the chapters; therefore, the text emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between surgeons and therapists who specialize in the hand.

The additional chapters in the third edition, on the wrist and free-tissue transfers, supplement the existing chapters on tendons (finger flexors, finger extensors, wrist tendons, and tendon transfers), peripheral nerves (injuries and entrapments), fractures, joint injuries, amputations, and burns. Diseases and complicating conditions such as Dupuytren contracture, arthritis, and complex regional pain syndrome round out the text. Each chapter has definitive references listed as well as suggested supplemental readings. The radiological images, clinical photographs and schematic drawings, although often too small to allow much detail, draw the reader's attention to the requisite anatomical and biomechanical detail required for patient care.

This text has withstood the test of time, having originally been published in 1985. Its focus has been on foundational concepts of evaluation and treatment while introducing the inexperienced hand therapist to common hand conditions. Definitive multivolume texts on hand surgery and hand therapy cover the subject of hand management in much more detail and at a level that the experienced hand therapist would find more appropriate and applicable. This text, however, is a fine primer that would be a useful resource in a general physical therapist practice where patients with hand conditions are exceptions rather than a regular part of practice.

Paul LaStayo, PT, PhD, CHT Northern Arizona University Flagstaff Ariz Dr LaStayo is Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy where he instructs professional and postprofessional graduate students and provides patient care for the upper extremity. His research focus is on the upper extremity and the mechanical effects of physical therapy interventions.