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Book Review Osteoarthritis: A Companion to Rheumatology Leena Sharma and Francis Berenbaum, editors, Philadelphia: Mosby, Inc., 2007, 279 pages, US $129.00. This "Companion to Rheumatology" on osteoarthritis (OA) is a detailed, up-to-date review on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and radiological, clinical and treatment perspectives of the disorder, written by an international cast of leaders in their fields. The chapters on pathogenesis provide an excellent discussion on the role of changes in the subchondral bone, chondrocytes, and adipokines (especially leptins) in OA. A section on biochemical markers and discussion on predictors and measurement of disease progression are particularly relevant. The chapter on management is comprehensive and appropriately includes a section on complementary and alternative medicine that is in widespread use among patients. A section on mechanical issues in disease management with discussion on exercises, gait retraining, bracing, and footwear modifications is of particular value for treating physicians. Surgical interventions, however, received only a brief mention. The book is comprehensive but succinctly written, easy to read, and well referenced and includes black and white but clear illustrations. The authors' goal of providing a "source of information and ideas for those already involved in osteoarthritis investigation and patient care" has been achieved. This is an excellent text that clearly summarizes the current state of knowledge in OA and is recommended reading for all involved in the study and management of the disease. Veerapong Phumethum, MD, Clinical Fellow in Rheumatology; Peter Lee, MD, FRCPC, FRACP, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. |
