Winter 2015 (Volume 25, Number 4)
Book Review: The Canadian Clinician’s Rheumatology Handbook,
2nd Edition
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Editor: Lori Albert
Publisher: Brush Education Inc.
Date: 2015
This book is the second edition of a handbook written to support a national rheumatology curriculum for internal medicine trainees in Canada. Dr. Lori Albert is the lead author and editor of this volume which comprises chapters written by academic rheumatologists from across Canada. The comprehensive and well written chapters reflect the expertise of each author.
Each chapter provides a logical and comprehensive approach to major clinical presentations of rheumatic conditions. The chapters are introduced with a list of “key concepts,” followed by important questions to ask during history taking as well as the clinical features to assess during the physical examination. A discussion of the recommended lab investigations, differential diagnosis, and treatment possibilities makes each chapter a complete overview of the topic.
In addition to very thorough coverage of the major clinical problems in rheumatology, a separate chapter addresses the clinical assessment and management of certain “rheumatologic emergencies”.
Not only are the basics of the musculoskeletal (MSK) examination described, there is also a detailed joint examination complete with illustrations. Techniques for joint aspiration and injections are likewise detailed. Separate chapters discuss an approach to selection and interpretation of laboratory tests used in rheumatology, plus interpretation of imaging used to assess the MSK system.
The Canadian Clinician’s Rheumatology Handbook is an excellent, comprehensive resource geared to residents in rheumatology, internal medicine, and family practice, and would be a useful asset for practising physicians or allied health professionals working in rheumatology.
Jacqueline C. Stewart, BSc (Hons), BEd, MD, FRCPC
Clinical Assistant Professor,
Division of Rheumatology,
Department of Medicine,
University of British Columbia
Penticton Regional Hospital
Penticton, British Columbia |
