ABC of Rheumatology

From The Critics

Reviewer: Wayne M. Yokoyama, MD(Washington University Medical Center)
Description: This is a compilation of the ABC series that first appeared in the British Medical Journal with additional chapters on epidemiology and laboratory investigations.
Purpose: This book is aimed at a broad range of medical practitioners with "a flavour of everyday practice." Given the common ailments affecting the musculoskeletal system and the general paucity of books in this area for the practitioner, the book meets a need that is fulfilled.
Audience: It is specifically aimed at the "busy practicing doctor." The editor and contributors "hope that family doctors will find it useful to have available on the premises." The book also should be helpful to medical students and allied health professionals. The contributors are all rheumatologists or professionals in this area, including nurse practitioners and podiatrists.
Features: The entire rheumatology field is covered, first by coverage of regional pain syndromes then by specific disease classifications. Chapters are succinct and selective illustrations and tables comprise greater than 30 percent of the pages. Few references are provided in keeping with the editor's intended audience of the busy practicing physician, but selected references would have been helpful.
Assessment: This succinct presentation of a general overview of rheumatology is a useful addition to a practicing physician's library. Written by a panel of British experts, it should also be of interest to American rheumatologists.

Wayne M. Yokoyama

This is a compilation of the ABC series that first appeared in the British Medical Journal with additional chapters on epidemiology and laboratory investigations. This book is aimed at a broad range of medical practitioners with ""a flavour of everyday practice."" Given the common ailments affecting the musculoskeletal system and the general paucity of books in this area for the practitioner, the book meets a need that is fulfilled. It is specifically aimed at the ""busy practicing doctor."" The editor and contributors ""hope that family doctors will find it useful to have available on the premises."" The book also should be helpful to medical students and allied health professionals. The contributors are all rheumatologists or professionals in this area, including nurse practitioners and podiatrists. The entire rheumatology field is covered, first by coverage of regional pain syndromes then by specific disease classifications. Chapters are succinct and selective illustrations and tables comprise greater than 30 percent of the pages. Few references are provided in keeping with the editor's intended audience of the busy practicing physician, but selected references would have been helpful. This succinct presentation of a general overview of rheumatology is a useful addition to a practicing physician's library. Written by a panel of British experts, it should also be of interest to American rheumatologists.

3 Stars from Doody