Abstract
This is a valuable textbook for professionals and students in medical and prosthetics rehabilitation. It will also be an important source of information for amputee patients and their families. Appealing to such a wide audience was a significant challenge for the editors—Mary Catherine Spires, PT, MD; Brian M. Kelly, DO; and Alicia J. Davis, MPA, CPO, FAAOP—and that challenge was met with high professionalism.
The authors have made the book useful for the experienced professional who needs to be informed about the novel technologies and objective criteria for selecting the optimal one for his or her patient. At the same time, an interested researcher from the fields of physiology, engineering, cybernetics, and mechanics will find valuable information on upper and lower limb prosthetics, and on the areas that need further advancements.
Part I, “Lower Extremity Amputation: Principles, Prosthetic Restoration, and Rehabilitation,” is a concise description of the anatomy of the lower extremity, and the kinesiology of human gait, surgical principles of amputation, patient assessment, and rehabilitation. That is helpful for evaluating the function of lower extremity prostheses and design of various types of prostheses for all levels of amputations.
Part II, “Upper Extremity Amputation: Principles, Prosthetic Restoration, and Rehabilitation” is devoted to an upper extremity amputation and prosthetic restoration. It is underscored that the anatomical complexity of the human arm makes it very difficult to develop a comprehensive control system for powered prostheses. Nevertheless, a successful functional rehabilitation is possible, and the author shows the necessary roadmap.
Part III, “Common Clinical Conditions and Concerns” is about the psychosocial impact of limb loss, sexuality, sports, and recreation as well as return to the community. The authors address the complications an individual may face that are unique to his or her disability and a part of everyday life, pain management, skin problems, and musculoskeletal problems.
In Part IV, “Special Populations” (Chapters 25–28), special attention is given to individuals with special needs such as a person with multiple limb loss, children, aging adults, and cancer patients recognizing the special needs and unique situations of these individuals. Part V, “Future Directions,” is of special importance for new developments, since the authors look into the future of what prosthetic and robotic research might hold for persons with limb loss.
The book is written by a dedicated team from the University of Michigan Orthotics and Prosthetics Center, and reflects the clinical experience and research of the professionals who have cared for individuals with limb loss. The book is a must to be included in the curriculum of all schools that provide an education in rehabilitation, biomechanics, and bioengineering.