Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care by Letha Yurko Griffin, Walter Greene, Walter Greene

Synopsis

In this updated edition appearing in what has been designated as the Bone and Joint Decade in the US, Griffin (Georgia State U.; Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic, Atlanta) compiles information on some 300 common musculoskeletal conditions in adults and children. New chapters address anesthesia for orthopedic injury, fracture healing, and dance injuries to the foot and ankle. Chapters include pain diagrams and clinical information about conditions in specific body areas. Other features include conditioning exercises, joint motion measures, an expanded glossary, and a patient handout of diagrams for measuring joint motion in the upper and lower extremities. Dates are not given for previous editions. Annotation © 2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Mark R Hutchinson, MD(University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description:This is the third edition of Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons with contributions and overview by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is a textbook designed as the musculoskeletal reference for primary care physicians on orthopedics. Color coded pages provide easy reference for chapters ranging from general orthopedics to shoulder, hand, knee, foot and ankle, and other specific body parts. Each chapter is arranged in the same format including clinical symptoms, physical examination, diagnostic tests, differential diagnosis, treatment suggestions, adverse outcomes, and referral recommendations.
Purpose:The stated purpose is to provide a general orthopedic reference that the practitioner will feel comfortable using as a primary reference for recognizing, evaluating, and treating over 300 common musculoskeletal conditions. The book serves a greater purpose in addressing a void in fundamental references in musculoskeletal medicine and can serve as a musculoskeletal "go to" text for students and residents-in-training to address a relative lack of musculoskeletal training seen in many medical schools and primary care training programs.
Audience:The editors and publishers have taken great care in listening to comments from internists, physiatrists, family practitioners, residents, and medical students to enhance and improve the offering in comparison to previous editions. It is at this group that the book is targeted.
Features:The book begins with a"how-to" guide that has overviews of the layout of the book so readers can optimally identify anatomy, symptoms, physical exam, specific conditions, rehabilitation techniques, and procedures including CPT codes. Each section is tab coded for quick reference. As a bonus, the book is accompanied by a guide to measuring range of motion of joints and a DVD with patient handouts and treatment videos.
Assessment:Dr. Griffin and the publishers have done a wonderful job of updating and enhancing what was already a well-accepted textbook for primary care physicians, residents, and medical students. I strongly recommend it as the key teaching source for musculoskeletal training. It also serves as a great reference in the offices of internists, family medicine specialists, pediatricians, and physiatrists. Physical therapists, athletic trainers and other allied healthcare professionals will also benefit from this well-written, easy to use, fundamental reference on musculoskeletal care.