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Book Review
Soft Tissue Rheumatology Brian Hazelman, Graham Riley, Cathy Speed, editors. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2004. 568 pages, price $198.50 US. Whether caring for patients with systemic disorders or looking at local problems, physicians who treat musculoskeletal disease often must evaluate and manage soft tissue problems. This text puts into focus the issues surrounding pain and dysfunction that result from problems with tendons, ligaments, bursae, menisci, intervertebral discs, and other tissues in and around the joint The science of the soft tissues is effectively described, including their structure and individual roles in the maintenance of normal joint function. An excellent chapter deals with chronic pain and applies it to practical issues in musculoskeletal management. The approach is a classic one, going from the basic history and physical examination to the utility of various investigative tools. Sensitivity to the real world is exemplified by sections dealing with sports medicine and occupational disorders of soft tissues. Current management modalities are individually described, and the importance of the multidisciplinary approach is emphasized. The first 5 chapters deal with an overriding assessment of all issues. It is then in the final chapter that individual areas (the spine, the shoulder, the elbow and forearm, etc.) are discussed. The organization of this volume is superb. It is detailed, and yet it is easy to find any topic of concern. Contributors include members of all disciplines who evaluate and treat musculoskeletal pain. Coming from a well-respected rheumatology research unit in Cambridge (UK), this book is clearly valuable to rheumatologists and indeed to any physician who participates in the care of patients with joint-associated pain and dysfunction. It is current in its science and is well supported by tables, graphs and pathologic photomicrographs. Though the scientific pages are complex, they are accessible to anyone with a basic knowledge of joint tissues and inflammation. The investigative and therapeutic portions are effectively written and offer the reader valuable information. This volume should be considered the definitive text in this area at present. Jerry Tenenbaum, MD, FRCPC, FACP, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Consultant Rheumatologist, Mount Sinai Hospital, University Health Network, Baycrest Geriatric Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada. |