Physical Diagnosis of Pain, 5th Edition

By: Steven D. Waldman, MD, JD

ISBN: 9780443118036

Publication Date: June 2, 2024

Reviewer: Harshika Chowdhary Pathak, MD (Yale School of Medicine)

Description

This book provides an engaging and systematic approach to a thorough physical evaluation for diagnosing pain. Expanding upon the previous edition published in 2021, this edition introduces 50 new conditions and their associated physical exam findings. It features well-organized tables that summarize differential diagnoses as well as associated demographics, signs, symptoms, and distinctive features in a concise and clear manner. These tables can serve as practical references in a clinical setting. Additionally, the book includes an access code for the eBook and videos demonstrating the illustrated physical exam techniques.

Purpose

In the realm of imaging-reliant diagnosis, the book underscores the importance of a targeted physical exam in identifying the etiology of pain. It aims to teach essential physical exam techniques and integration of patient history in conjunction with radiological findings. It is a valuable resource in establishing a foundational knowledge of pain conditions across different body regions, covering anatomy, nomenclature, associated conditions, and a step-by-step approach to a physical exam. The objectives are crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding and effective management of pain, making the book an excellent tool for aspiring pain medicine physicians.

Objectives are achieved through a combination of written content, illustrations, and online videos demonstrating physical exam maneuvers. Furthermore, the online eBook provides convenient, remote access.

Audience

The book is written for anesthesiology and physical medicine and rehabilitation residents, fellows, and attending physicians, specializing in pain management.

Authored by Dr. Steven Waldman, a renowned and well-published expert in the field of pain medicine, this book provides trainees and attendings an effective way to learn and revise physical exam techniques and the process of differential diagnosis.

Features

This book provides an in-depth exploration of diagnosing pain via physical examination. Each region of the body is organized such that the reader learns relevant anatomy, nomenclature, and painful conditions followed by the physical examination techniques. The physical exam is split up into clear sections – visual inspection, palpation, range of motion, and specialized tests. Each section features concise and informative tables, addressing the differential diagnosis of a particular body part and how to distinguish among conditions.

These tables organize key elements like patient demographics, changes in physical exam, and symptoms making them an excellent reference to use in the clinical setting. The writing is clear, engaging, and informative. The book delineates physical exam techniques with an associated video in the margin.

Diagrams enhance the readability of the textbook and are well-labelled. After describing each physical exam maneuver, the text elucidates normal and abnormal results and suggests imaging tests for further diagnostic confirmation. The textbook comprehensively covers each body region from head to toe, and the integration of physical exam findings with radiological correlations is particularly helpful. There are no apparent shortcomings or omissions in the book. This resource is highly effective for both learning and clinical application.

Assessment

This book is particularly valuable in improving knowledge of physical exam maneuvers and appropriate applications. It streamlines the decision-making process for selecting the most effective techniques to elicit crucial information from a physical exam. This book’s focus is unique in the world of pain medicine. Given the addition of 50 new conditions and associated physical exam findings, this new edition is both warranted and appreciated. It is an excellent resource for learning and reviewing key diagnostic techniques of common pain conditions encountered in the clinic. Each anatomical section is logically organized, progressing seamlessly from fundamental to advanced concepts. The writing is clear and accessible, making it ideal for quick and effective review by busy clinicians. Additionally, the accompanying videos serve as a helpful supplementary resource for reinforcing concepts presented in the text. The summary tables are especially helpful and useful in the clinical setting.

©Doody’s Review Service, 2024, Harshika Chowdhary Pathak, MD (Yale School of Medicine), Doody’s Score: 96 – 4 Stars!

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