This is the second edition of a very comprehensive single-volume textbook,
edited by S. Brent Brotzman, MD, and Kevin Wilk, PT. As the new co-editor,
physical therapist Kevin Wilk has brought a contemporary perspective on
rehabilitation to the text.
The book is organized by anatomical region, with a primary set of
well-qualified authors assigned to each area of the body. The editors also
brought in a cadre of leaders in the field of general orthopaedics as well as
orthopaedic and sports rehabilitation to contribute to each section, thus
ensuring that the book offers a variety of rehabilitation guidelines for each
injury or procedure. The protocols range from conservative through aggressive,
and their juxtaposition allows for easy comparison among the programs.
Each chapter comprehensively presents evaluation techniques for
musculoskeletal injuries, with common and uncommon pathologies covered equally
well. There is an emphasis on the indications for operative management and
rehabilitation, which reflects knowledge of the orthopaedic surgical
techniques employed. The approach is largely evidence based, with little of
the "this is how we do it" seen in other texts that target this
audience. The presentation includes an algorithmic approach to the treatment
of acute injuries and chronic conditions and to the rehabilitation of patients
who have undergone surgery. Most of the rehabilitation progressions are
criterion based rather than time based, reflecting current knowledge and
practice.
There is a needed emphasis on functional progression. Too often,
rehabilitation protocols end long before patients are able to return to their
preinjury activities. The chapters include clinic-based functional
progressions and sports-specific programs (e.g., the interval throwing
programs in the chapter on shoulder injuries) to facilitate measured,
intelligent return of the injured individual to full function. Criteria and
tests to help determine when a patient may safely return to sports or work are
also included.
This textbook is easy to read, with well-placed text boxes and many
illustrations. Photographs and line drawings are used in good combination to
complement the text and illustrate the techniques described.
This book serves as the primary textbook for the course we teach each year
in the field of orthopaedic pathology and rehabilitation to physical therapy
students. We and the guest expert clinicians (physical therapists and
orthopaedic surgeons) who have taught the course have found this textbook to
be both comprehensive and useful. In addition to its usefulness as a primary
textbook, Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation is a great addition to
the library of experienced rehabilitation professionals who are interested in
the development and implementation of contemporary rehabilitation protocols.
The text is equally important to the sports orthopaedist, who rarely has the
time to formulate or upgrade protocols to current standards and who needs a
readily available rehabilitation reference.