Both general practitioners with a special interest in musculoskeletal disorders, Hosie (The Surgery, Glasgow) and Dickson (The Warrens, North Yorkshire) guide other primary health care professionals in dealing with the most common cause of musculoskeletal disability, which is mostly managed in the community and often treated with self-medication. They overview the condition and its causes and natural history, explain diagnosis, and describe joint examinations. They also consider monitoring the progression, assessing disability, and options for surgical treatment. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of musculoskeletal disability, affecting five million people in Britain. By far the majority of cases are managed in the community.
A considerable proportion of patients self-medicate, while others are treated by a GP and the primary health care team.
This book provides an overview of the condition, its causes and natural history. Diagnosis of osteoarthritis is also explained including descriptions of joint examination, monitoring of progression and assessment of disability. The book advocates a practical approach to osteoarthritis care, the mainstay of which is patient education and symptom management. It provides advice on both pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management, the use of exercise, physiotherapy and weight loss where necessary. Topics discsussed also include: informing the patient of the disease and its prognosis; ways in which patients can adapt their home and their lifestyle to work within their physical capabilities; and surgery options.
