20 Common Problems in Sports Medicine

Book Review 20 Common Problems in Sports Medicine, edited by James C. Puffer, 451 pp, with illus, $45, New York, NY, McGraw-Hill (telephone: 800-722-4726), 2002, ISBN 0-07-052720-2 Type and Scope of Book: This text written primarily by fellows who trained in the family medicine department and sports medicine fellowship program at the University of California, Los Angeles, reviews 20 common sports medicine–type injuries and medical conditions seen by primary care physicians. Contents: Each chapter in the book focuses on a particular sports medicine–related condition and concentrates on the information clinicians need most to appropriately diagnose and manage each case. Musculoskeletal conditions are emphasized because they rank second only to upper respiratory complaints in the disorders seen most frequently by primary care providers; other types of medical conditions that commonly occur in both recreational and competitive athletes are covered as well. The book is divided into 5 parts. Parts 1 and 2 deal with disorders of the upper and lower extremities, respectively. The third section focuses on medical problems such as exercise-induced bronchospasm, heart-related illness, and concussion. Part 4 addresses sports-related problems in pediatric patients, and part 5 is devoted primarily to low back pain and stress fractures. Strengths: The text is clearly and concisely written, well organized, and easy to understand. The anatomical reviews and important clinical examination tips are particularly valuable. Numerous easy-to-use charts and graphs supplement the text. The discussion of the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of heat-related illness is particularly well written. Deficiencies: Several of the topics covered are anything but common. In addition, some sections would benefit from inclusion of a more extensive discussion of rehabilitation and when an athlete can safely return to competition. Recommended Readership: This book would be a valuable resource for all primary care providers who treat recreational and competitive athletes. It would also be of use to medical students and residents in training. Overall Grading: #### David C. Agerter, MD, Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn

Grading Key ★★★★★ = outstanding; ★★★★ = excellent; ★★★ = good; ★★ = fair; ★ = poor.

© 2002 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

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