Reviewer: Lesley Knight Gilmer, PhD (University of Louisville)
Description: This third edition adds information relevant to the musculoskeletal system that is not present in the general Thieme Atlas of Anatomy by Gilroy et al. The clinical correlates, functional components, and imaging make this edition perfect for readers interested in a detailed exploration of this specific area of specialization. The second edition was published in 2014.
Purpose: The book's purpose is to expand the prior edition's fantastic layout, organization, and images by updating some of the two-page spreads and adding detailed information on joints, muscles actions, and muscle groups. The online and hard-copy formats allow users to dictate how they would like to view, use, and apply the images and information. These are worthy objectives, which the book accomplishes thoroughly in print and online. It is truly an invaluable resource for easy transport, learning, and instruction. Ease of access is seamless. Storing, viewing, and using images in the manner users see fit is a huge bonus.
Audience: The book is written for students, teachers, residents, and practitioners specializing in the musculoskeletal system. The layout, approachable tables, and information draws users in and invites them to take a more detailed look into the musculoskeletal field while laying the foundation found in the general Thieme Atlas of Anatomy. This edition absolutely meets the needs of this specialized audience. The many features allow individuals to utilize the information how they see fit and in the format with which they are most comfortable. The authors are powerhouses of information in the musculoskeletal field and each are trustworthy authorities.
Features: This edition begins with a brief introduction to phylogeny and ontology, which sets the scene for human development that I found brief, yet clear and concise for a nice overview. Chapters 2 and 3 introduce an overview perspective of the body as a whole with key landmarks relevant to anatomy and clinical practice. Chapters 5 through 8 go through an overview of the key systems covered bones/joints, muscles, vessels, lymphatics and glands and end with a section on general neuroanatomy. The book concludes with a detailed regional approach to the trunk, upper limb, and lower limb, each having the same layout bones, ligaments, and joints followed by muscles and neurovascular elements in both functional grouping and topographical recap/overview of each system. There is a great flow of zooming out for the big picture, zooming in for the detail, and then back out to recap the regional anatomy with the systems as a whole. This book has fantastic drawn images, MR, and CT that make the anatomy translatable to the clinic, clinical notes, and explanations relevant to this specialization that are not seen in other general anatomy titles. All features I looked for were able to be accessed in the book and online. I think this edition will be a hit. I plan on using it for any physical therapy course in the future. It has all the necessary components of the general edition but is made for those specializing in the musculoskeletal system. It is an excellent resource and a needed addition to field.
Assessment: I have taught many students in athletic training, physical therapy, and occupational therapy who would love to use this book. I currently teach in dental, medical, and physician assistant programs so I have not used this title before. Having said that, after reviewing this title, I would absolutely use this book in courses specializing in the musculoskeletal field. I would be able to use many of the images from the general Thieme Atlas of Anatomy that are used in this edition; however, users of this book get so much more relevant information related to their field. I have used Grant's, Gray's and Netter's in that order of frequency, but this book is clear, concise, well organized, and inviting. The online resources are easy to access and utilize the great images when instructing or learning. This will now be on my must-purchase list for students specializing in this field all the basics of the Thieme Atlas but with much more focused information. This book is an absolute must for OTs, PTs, and ATs who will utilize this book throughout their careers. The improvements to this edition are noticeable, expanded information on joints, muscle actions, and functional muscle groups and fantastic CT and MR images to go along with the stellar drawn renderings. This edition kept the easy-to-follow organization, details, and clarity that Thieme is known for. This edition will be enjoyed and appreciated by countless educators and students for years to come.