John D. Hsu, John W. Michael, John R. Fisk, editors. Philadelphia: Mosby-Elsevier; 2008. 652 pages. $199.00. ISBN: 978-0-323-03931-4.
The recently published fourth edition of the AAOS Atlas of Orthoses and Assistive Devices is a comprehensive treatise on the indications for and current use of devices other than internal prostheses. The book is targeted at orthopaedic surgeons, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, physical and occupational therapists, and orthotists as well as case managers and any other providers who are involved in the care of patients with musculoskeletal disorders. It is an important source of information for all residents of orthopaedic surgery and physical medicine and rehabilitation as well as for student therapists and orthotists who are training in the management of musculoskeletal problems.
The atlas provides an updated and state-of-the-art comprehensive textbook on the use of orthoses and some of the sophisticated devices that aid in patient mobility, activity, function, and rehabilitation. The interdisciplinary nature of the book and the use of international experts provide for a most useful guide that offers recommendations for the provision of assistive devices. There is an attempt to link the provision of these devices and technologies to patient outcome measures rather than simply correlating the device type to the diagnosis or condition. The integration of the team along with the use of the interdisciplinary expertise of the orthotists and therapists is emphasized as a way of providing the patient with a device that is most likely to maximize function.
The basic concepts of materials science are reviewed to provide an understanding of how these appliances work and the limitations that are encountered. The information provided has applicability for developed as well as developing nations and highlights the use of local materials in a situation in which sophisticated technology is not available.
The first section is devoted to the basics, including prescription generation, gait patterns, and materials science as it pertains to patients with musculoskeletal functional disabilities. The other sections allow for easy reference in finding the type of assistive device required. Several sections begin with one or several chapters on biomechanics to provide a foundation for the application of an orthosis. The individual chapters provide a better understanding of the treatment and management of specific conditions as well as the appropriate use of an applicable orthosis. Each chapter has comprehensive and contemporary references for additional scientific information. A new and exciting addition is the section on various assistive devices, in which wheelchairs, assistive devices for sports and recreation, robotic devices for rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury, and research opportunities are discussed.
The extensive use of illustrations and two-tone diagrams makes the tome very readable and understandable. The editors and chapter authors have provided a one-stop resource for information regarding orthotic and other assistive devices. This atlas should be considered a must for most personal libraries.