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0 r t ho paed ic Med ici ne A practical approach

Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford ............................................................................................................................. 0 7506 2543 0). Illus. 4 16 pages. .........................................................................................................

by Monica Kesson GradDipPhys MCSP CertEd and Elaine Atkins M A GradDioPhvs MCSP f27.50 ‘Two well-known physiotherapists who trained together in St Thomas’ Ilospical and have both gonc on to work in private practice and as teachers on the Society of Orthopaedic: Medicine coursc are the authors of this book. Dr James Cyriax was based at the hospital where Kesson and Atkins trained and it is his approach to orthopaedic medicine on which the current Society of Orthopaedic Medicine courses and this book are tyascd. ‘This approach to musculoskeletal therapy is easy to apply iind very successful. The treatment techniques have been used throughout the years and can be used easily in conjunction with the various other approaches recognised in physiotherapy today.

The book is divided into two sections. The first explains the principles of orthopaedic medicine, covering clinical diagnosis, soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system, principles of injury/ repair and treatment techniques. Each chapter is laid out in an easily readable fashion with a brief summary at the beginning. Within thc chapters each sub-secdon has key words in a box on the side which act as a great tool for those who may be revising for the SOM examination or who may be giving a lecture on this approach.

’Thc contents of the chapters are clear and full of vcry relevant information in brief and to-the-point paragraphs. The paragraph on orthopaedic treatment techniques is particularly well presented and for thosc who have done the course it nicely atids Iiirthcr explanation to lecture notes. The principles of (lyriax’s approach are explained with somc alterations which havc developed through research. This chapter includcs injection techniques, which are very relcvant to us now as physiotherapist sincc injection is within our scope of practice.

Section 2 then goes on to explain the orthopaedic medicine apprwnch to c.nc:li individual joint. The anatomy of thc relevant area is cxplained in depth. Surface marking and palpation are a l s o covered and are very important. to this approach, especially when considering injections. Relevant subjective history-taking for each joint is explained, giving typical presentations. The ob.jective examination is demonstrated well with both illustrations and text and again pointers are placed on the sidc of the text for quick reference. The typical presentations and treatmcnt techniqucs are divided into capsular and non- capsular sections.

The orthopactiic medicine approach gives a clear succinct. method of diagnosis which is very useful in the busy out-paticnt

If you have come across a new book which might help Other readers, and it has not been reviewed in Physiotherapy, please let us know.

departments of today. The book is laid out in a very comprchensive fashion with reference casily made. It may be used as a revision tool‘by the physiothcrapists and doctors who arc sitting the SOM examinations. It is, as claimed, ‘a practical student-centred textbook, collating information relating to orthopaedic medicine, and including gcrmane clinical anatomy for postgraduate physiotherapists and medical practitioners’.

The book is excellent value for money, very easy to read and also an easy reference guide. I t is well researched and referenced and and should be found in all physiotherapy school and department libraries.

A M Bourton BSc MCSP AOCP

Loss; Bereavement a.nd Grief A guide to effective caring

Stanley Thornes, Cheltenham 1998 (ISBN 0 7487 3322 1). 208 pages

bv Bob Soall and SteDhen Callis

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f 14.99 Books about counselling often suffer from two problems: they can be highly theoretical and fail to address the needs of healthcarc professionals. This book avoids thosc pitkalls. Alongside a review of various theoretical models, the authors draw on their experience of real situations and people - professionals as well as patients - in the healthcare environment.

Bob Spa11 is a consultant clinical psychologist and the Rev Stephen Callis is a hospital chaplain and GP practice counsellor. Thcy bring over 40 ycars’ experience to this book, which is designed to help nurses, midwives, doctors, paramcdics and social workers answer the question: ‘What is required to be an effective helping professional? ’

Each of t.he 16 chapters ends with a summary of the main points and includes questions with which readers can explore issues in more depth. Topics covered include dealing with change, being ‘professional’; personal loss and its impact on work; understanding and dealing with the death and bereavement process; techniques for breaking bad news; religious, spiritual and cultural needs; recognising when further help is required and when to seek personal support. A comprehensive list of references for further reading is also included.

The book is designed to be read as an integrated unit but readers will undoubtedly also want to dip into particular aspects for help with specific questions.

One of the great strengths of this book is that, with its compelling easy-to-read style, i t will help healthcare professionals understand themselves. This leads to more effective and appropriate iinderstanding of the needs o f patients.

Mike Wilman MSc

Physiotherapy March 1999/vol85/no 3