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May BJ. Philadelphia, PA 19103, FA Davis Co, 2002, paperback, 290 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-8036-0839-X, $37.95.
The second edition of Amputations and Prosthetics incorporates the changes that have occurred in physical therapy and prosthetics since the first edition was published in 1996. The book contains language consistent with the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice (Guide). Advances in prosthetic technology and research are also included. The essential purpose of the book remains the same-to serve as a teaching text for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The format is also the same as in the first edition. Four patient cases are developed throughout the book. The reader can use these cases to discuss options for interventions throughout the rehabilitation phases of the patients.
The book has 11 chapters. The first 4 chapters provide the background information that the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant will need to provide interventions for a significant portion of those people seen in physical therapy for rehabilitation after an amputation-older adults with diabetes. Chapter 1 provides an interesting historical perspective on how surgery and prosthetics have developed over the centuries. It would have been helpful if the book provided the Guide preferred practice pattern related to amputation (Pattern 4K) as a reference for the patient cases in the text. Chapters 2 through 4 are comprehensive in their coverage of peripheral vascular disease, the diabetic foot, and lower-extremity surgical amputation, respectively. Chapter 2 would have benefited from an overview table, because various sections in the chapter present information on the examination, assessment, and management of venous and arterial disease, which become difficult to follow. Chapter 3 provides an excellent overview of the risk factors for diabetes and the management and educational responsibilities of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant who...