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PHYS THER
Vol. 86, No. 12, December 2006, pp. 1713-1714
DOI: 10.2522/ptj.2006.86.12.1713.2
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Reviews of Books, Software, and Multimedia

Examination of the Shoulder: The Complete Guide


McFarland EG. New York, NY 10001, Thieme Medical Publishers Inc, 2006, hardcover (with DVD), 282 pp, illus, ISBN: 1-58890-371-0, $139.95.


The management of people with shoulder dysfunction often challenges the most experienced clinician. An accurate diagnosis will facilitate the effective and efficient management of these patients. One of the primary objectives of Examination of the Shoulder: The Complete Guide is to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based resource to help readers understand and appreciate the examination and evaluation of people with shoulder dysfunction. The second objective is to critically evaluate shoulder tests and measures in the context of the current literature.

As stated in the preface, the book may be used by anyone with medical training, but it appears to be directed toward physicians, orthopedic residents, and physical therapists. Contributors to the book include physicians, researchers, and allied health practitioners. These individuals combine their expertise to provide the reader with a practical, comprehensive view of the assessment and evaluation of the patient with shoulder dysfunction.

Examination of the Shoulder: The Complete Guide is written in a user-friendly format. The 7 chapters of this book are organized in a logical progression. Chapter 1 addresses general principles of shoulder examinations and provides an overview of the process, which establishes a foundation for the rest of the text. Chapters 2 and 3 address basic principles of shoulder range of motion and strength assessment and include discussions of reliability and validity of these measures.

The remaining 4 chapters discuss common pathologies and topics associated with the shoulder, including rotator cuff disease and impingement, instability and laxity, biceps tendon and superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions, and acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints. Each of these 4 chapters provides the reader with an overview of pathology and foundational information that is followed by relevant tests and measures. The discussion of specific tests includes the sensitivity and specificity of the tests. An appendix provides basic definitions and analysis of the statistical terms used in the text.

Within each chapter the content is well organized and information is presented in a clear and concise manner. The author does a good job of integrating clinical experience with the relevant literature to provide a practical clinical perspective on tests and measures. A DVD is provided to augment the text by demonstrating examinations and includes a presentation of both normal and abnormal findings. Chapters also include useful illustrations, photographs, tables, and figures that enhance the presentation of material. Appropriate references to primary, peer-reviewed literature are provided in each chapter and will help readers find additional information. However, I believe the book could be strengthened with the inclusion of a discussion of functional outcome measures related to the shoulder.

Increasing the clinician’s ability to accurately identify sources of dysfunction will serve to enhance the quality and efficiency of patient care. Examination of the Shoulder: The Complete Guide contributes to physical therapist practice by providing an evidenced-based framework to facilitate a basic understanding and appreciation of examination and evaluation of patients with shoulder dysfunction. In addition, this book may expand the reader’s understanding of the usefulness of tests and measures as they relate to common shoulder pathologies. Physical therapists and occupational therapists who treat this patient population will find this book a worthwhile reference.

Douglas R Keskula, PT, PhD, ATC

Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, Ga
Keskula is Professor and Chairman in the Department of Physical Therapy. He engages in clinical practice and facilitates clinical research in an orthopedic patient population.





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Copyright © 2006 by the American Physical Therapy Association.