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Orthopaedics at a Glance
Book reviews
611
Osteopathic Diagnosis Stanley Thornes, Cheltenham 1998 (ISBN 0 7487 3296 9). 292 pages by Emanuel Sammut and Patrick Searle-Barnes £32.50 The principal theme of this book is the osteopathic approach to the assessment of various predominantly musculoskeletal pathologies. The authors state that their main aim is to ‘fill a gap’ in the texts available to students of osteopathy, as they have both lectured at the British School of Osteopathy for some years and have become aware of a dearth of suitable books to support student learning. The authors also hope that their book will be of interest to allied professions, as it aims to give some insight into the philosophy underlying osteopathic practice. If the book is primarily aimed at students of osteopathy, then it seems to be appropriately written. It is, however, a strangely frustrating read, being an ambitious text, ranging over a multitude of subjects such as muscle physiology, biomechanics, neurology, pathology, anatomy, osteopathic philosophy and clinical diagnostics, to name but a few. On occasion the book promises to deal with an issue in greater detail later, but then fails to do so, leaving the reader confused and dissatisfied. As there are so many other texts which deal comprehensively with most of the subjects addressed, it might have been more effective for the authors to concentrate on their own areas of expertise and to refer their readers to
Orthopaedics at a Glance A handbook of disorders, tests, and rehabilitation strategies Slack Incorporated, New Jersey, USA 2001 (ISBN 1 55642 500 7). 220 pages by Nancy Gann $29 This is a quick reference textbook written with students and clinicians in mind. It is well set out in a soft cover and covers spinal and peripheral joints in 12 chapters with ‘Radiological examination for non-physicians’ in the last chapter. It is easy to read but written in bullet-point format, under the headings of ‘Characteristics’, ‘Signs and symptoms’, ‘Special tests’ and ‘Intervention’. It covers the obvious orthopaedic conditions as well as the less common. For example the ‘Wrist and hand’ chapter includes Wartenburg’s syndrome, Kienbock’s disease, instabilities, lunate dislocation, RSD syndrome (complex regional pain syndrome), ganglion, osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, Dupuytren’s contracture and tendon injuries. At the end of each chapter the special tests referenced are explained in full. This is particularly interesting with the
Comparative morphology and spinal orientation in a cat and a human. From the section on analyses of joint movement in ‘Osteopathic Diagnosis’
other texts as appropriate. Other factors which make it a tiresome read are the number of inaccuracies, the use of old references, occasional odd terminology, unsupported statements and a certain repetitiousness. The book itself is of a convenient size and is well laid out in sections. The text is well supported by diagrams, tables and photographs, all of which increase clarity. Case studies are also usefully employed to illustrate points. In my view this book is not particularly relevant to physiotherapy. However, for those who have an interest in osteopathy, it may afford some interesting insights into the practices and philosophy of the profession. Rachel Crookenden MSc MCSP
shoulder, where 15 tests are described (very useful to have them listed, even for those regularly treating the shoulder!). If you use the book for quick reference, which it is written for, this layout is acceptable. But if you intend to read the book it becomes very annoying flicking between the pages. The only frustrating feature of this book is the liberal use of abbreviations. Many, such as US, ROM and DFM are readily used in this country and therefore do not detract the reader, but others are less well known and make quick reading difficult. The information given by the book is up to date, although a disappointing omission is that adverse neural tension features very little. The characteristics, signs and symptoms, and special tests are comprehensive and clearly written. The intervention column is very interesting, due to a wide range of treatments being listed, but it is not prescriptive. This includes physiotherapy treatments, advice, exercise, electrotherapy, splintage and when injections or surgery may be indicated. Overall, this is an excellent book. I would recommend it to both students and all orthopaedic clinicians (ie outpatients, gymnasium, in-patients and any staff working in clinics). Whatever your level of experience, this book offers something for everyone. Heather Burrows MCSP Physiotherapy November 2001/vol 87/no 11
611
Osteopathic Diagnosis Stanley Thornes, Cheltenham 1998 (ISBN 0 7487 3296 9). 292 pages by Emanuel Sammut and Patrick Searle-Barnes £32.50 The principal theme of this book is the osteopathic approach to the assessment of various predominantly musculoskeletal pathologies. The authors state that their main aim is to ‘fill a gap’ in the texts available to students of osteopathy, as they have both lectured at the British School of Osteopathy for some years and have become aware of a dearth of suitable books to support student learning. The authors also hope that their book will be of interest to allied professions, as it aims to give some insight into the philosophy underlying osteopathic practice. If the book is primarily aimed at students of osteopathy, then it seems to be appropriately written. It is, however, a strangely frustrating read, being an ambitious text, ranging over a multitude of subjects such as muscle physiology, biomechanics, neurology, pathology, anatomy, osteopathic philosophy and clinical diagnostics, to name but a few. On occasion the book promises to deal with an issue in greater detail later, but then fails to do so, leaving the reader confused and dissatisfied. As there are so many other texts which deal comprehensively with most of the subjects addressed, it might have been more effective for the authors to concentrate on their own areas of expertise and to refer their readers to
Orthopaedics at a Glance A handbook of disorders, tests, and rehabilitation strategies Slack Incorporated, New Jersey, USA 2001 (ISBN 1 55642 500 7). 220 pages by Nancy Gann $29 This is a quick reference textbook written with students and clinicians in mind. It is well set out in a soft cover and covers spinal and peripheral joints in 12 chapters with ‘Radiological examination for non-physicians’ in the last chapter. It is easy to read but written in bullet-point format, under the headings of ‘Characteristics’, ‘Signs and symptoms’, ‘Special tests’ and ‘Intervention’. It covers the obvious orthopaedic conditions as well as the less common. For example the ‘Wrist and hand’ chapter includes Wartenburg’s syndrome, Kienbock’s disease, instabilities, lunate dislocation, RSD syndrome (complex regional pain syndrome), ganglion, osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, Dupuytren’s contracture and tendon injuries. At the end of each chapter the special tests referenced are explained in full. This is particularly interesting with the
Comparative morphology and spinal orientation in a cat and a human. From the section on analyses of joint movement in ‘Osteopathic Diagnosis’
other texts as appropriate. Other factors which make it a tiresome read are the number of inaccuracies, the use of old references, occasional odd terminology, unsupported statements and a certain repetitiousness. The book itself is of a convenient size and is well laid out in sections. The text is well supported by diagrams, tables and photographs, all of which increase clarity. Case studies are also usefully employed to illustrate points. In my view this book is not particularly relevant to physiotherapy. However, for those who have an interest in osteopathy, it may afford some interesting insights into the practices and philosophy of the profession. Rachel Crookenden MSc MCSP
shoulder, where 15 tests are described (very useful to have them listed, even for those regularly treating the shoulder!). If you use the book for quick reference, which it is written for, this layout is acceptable. But if you intend to read the book it becomes very annoying flicking between the pages. The only frustrating feature of this book is the liberal use of abbreviations. Many, such as US, ROM and DFM are readily used in this country and therefore do not detract the reader, but others are less well known and make quick reading difficult. The information given by the book is up to date, although a disappointing omission is that adverse neural tension features very little. The characteristics, signs and symptoms, and special tests are comprehensive and clearly written. The intervention column is very interesting, due to a wide range of treatments being listed, but it is not prescriptive. This includes physiotherapy treatments, advice, exercise, electrotherapy, splintage and when injections or surgery may be indicated. Overall, this is an excellent book. I would recommend it to both students and all orthopaedic clinicians (ie outpatients, gymnasium, in-patients and any staff working in clinics). Whatever your level of experience, this book offers something for everyone. Heather Burrows MCSP Physiotherapy November 2001/vol 87/no 11