Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity 5th Ed.,Vols. I and II

The 5th edition of Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity brings together the expertise of Therapists and Surgeons not just of the hand but the whole upper quadrant. Readers of previous editions will notice that many topics have been retained but expanded and revised to take account of changing clinical practice. But as well as the “old” there are 53 entirely new chapters. These include many topics we would expect to see in such a work as well as topics loosely related, but very pertinent, to upper limb rehabilitation.

Vol. 1 expands the anatomy of previous volumes to include the more proximal limb. Evaluation is also expanded and includes diagnostic imaging and interpretation of nerve conduction studies at one end of the spectrum and outcome measures at the other.

A whole new section on wound management is included in Vol. 1: the phases of wound healing as well as appropriate management and dressings for each phase is detailed.

Instead of being dogmatic in its approach the chapter on Flexor Tendon Rehabilitation explores a variety of treatment options and the rationale behind them. They range from immobilisation to controlled active motion. Protocols for each are detailed and outcome measures compared thus enabling the clinician to choose a particular regime for a given individual.

The difficult and poorly understood topic of psychologically based hand disorders is sympathetically and comprehensively explored and gives guidance as to when surgical and therapeutic intervention is appropriate, and importantly, when it is not.

Vol. II extends from the wrist to the shoulder and most of its contents are entirely new additions. For those unfamiliar with the wrist joint, but also for the very experienced practitioner, Part XV1 clearly and comprehensively takes the reader, via text and clear photographs, through clinical examination, pathology and finally to management of the wrist and distal radio-ulnar joint. Similarly, the elbow and shoulder joint chapters are well organized and sufficiently detailed to be of interest and use to the newly qualified practitioner as well as the more experienced. The chapters include examination of the joint, pathological conditions, and management, both surgical and therapeutic.

Vol. II continues in this manner through a variety of topics including complex injuries, burns, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis of the entire limb.

There are some excellent chapters on treatment modalities. Good use is made of diagrams and illustrations to guide the reader through electrotherapy, biofeedback, splinting and taping to name but a few.

The number of new topics included are too numerous to mention; suffice it to say that they all share the same characteristics; they are well written, easy to read, up to date and comprehensive in content.

This book is an invaluable recourse for all involved in the treatment of the hand and upper limb. The authors are very experienced in their particular field and this inevitably reflects in the text. Excellent referencing supports this experience.

Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity has evolved to become the “Green” of the hand and upper limb therapy world. It is a must in any library where novice and expert will welcome it alike. Serious hand surgeons and therapists should have it on their shelves: at £155 it is a bargain.