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Soft Tissue Injuries in Sports Medicine edited by Louis C Almekinders. Blackwell Science, Oxford, 1996 (ISBN 0 86542 382 2). Illus. 338 pages, €35.

This book is aimed at health profes- sionals who did not receive formal training in the treatment of sports injuries, such as coaches, parents and athletes. The stated objective is helping readers to recognise and treat minor injuries, whereas major injuries that need referral to sports medicine specialists are discussed only to allow recognition and appro- priate handling prior to referral.

The editor is a professor of orthopaedics in North Carolina and the contributors consist of about 14 doctors and one physiothera- pist which, as is often the case, continues to disappoint considering this is a text on soft tissue injuries. Having said that, the book is a useful and interesting read.

It is divided into two parts: one on anatomy, physiology, biomechanics of and response to injury, and principles of treatment including prevention and rehabilitation. The second part is divided into chapters on regional injuries.

It was rather difficult to judge for whom the anatomy level is in- tended. It is slightly too simplistic for physiotherapists but n little too technical for the average non- medical reader. On the other hand the chapter on biomechanics of soft tissue injury is well written and gives clear explanations of different forces such as translation, shear, rotatory, compressive and tensile. How each type of tissue is affected by these forces is discussed with clear examples. This chapter is particularly good for undergraduate readers looking for an introduction to biomechanics of injuries.

Similarly the description of the response to injury is clear, concise and supported by black and white photographs of histological sections. The section on basic principles o f treatment gives an overview of current approaches and discusses the pros and cons of varying treat- ments such as the use of NSAIDs or corticosteriod injection. The discus- sions are again backed by references a t the end of the chapter. The author also pertinently states his view that almost all soft tissue injuries will heal eventually and that it is the medical practitioner’s

solving and goal setting based on a sound theoretical knowledge of the processes of tissue healing.

The second part covering regional injuries seems to be quite a good easy-to-reference guide to commonly seen injuries. Each section is sub- divided into anatomy, typical injuries, examination including special tests, and rehabilitation.

Overall I would say that this is a

Valgus-directed force (F) that results in medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligament injury

role to ensure that they heal in the best position and with minimal functional disturbance.

The chapter on principles of reha- bilitation continues in the same vein. It is the one section written by a physical therapist and gives a good albeit brief introduction to the principles and various options within rehabilitation; commendably emphasising the use of problem

good, relatively inexpensive book on soft tissue injuries. The details of treatments and their progressions are limited as you would expect in a text covering a fairly general area. However, the chapters on biome- chanics of injury and response to injury are worth the money alone; especially if you agree with the authors that all your treatments should be based on an under- standing of this theory anyway, rather than sticking to recipes. Quite a good little buy!

Nicola Phillips MSc MCSP

Management in Rehabilitation A case-study approach by Charles P Schuch MS PT and Darlene K Sekerak PhD PT. F A Davis, Philadel- phia, available through Waverley Europe Ltd, 2-6 Fulham Broadway, London SW6 lAA, 1996 (ISBN 0 8036 7758 8). 143 pages. f 15.

This book has been written for people practising or studying phys- iotherapy, occupational or speech and language therapy management. I t is not intended to be a straight textbook but aims to provide a useful model for problem resolution, to stimulate discussion and give the opportunity to practise problem solving skills for those in a learning environment.

The first six pages describe the authors’ ‘ten-step problem solving

process’. This is based on manage- ment theory and their long-standing experience.

The book then continues as a series of 24 case scenarios based in therapy departments in a variety of settings, for example acute hospi- tals, nursing homes, sports clinics and domiciliary services. The scenarios cover problem issues such as difficulties caused by semi- permanent agency staff, a new manager gaining staff trust, better resources for a run-down depart- ment, etc. The scenarios are related back to the steps of the problem- solving process, and end with a question to stimulate thought and discussion regarding the problems raised.

The last third of the book contains

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Physiotherapy, January 1998, vol84, no 1