In the foreword, the authors state that this text is intended to provide a comprehensive presentation of human tendons for a wide range of readers. This very ambitious task was undertaken by two individuals who have already made major contributions to our understanding of the pathology of tendons.
The text is divided into two major sections. The first, entitled "Human Tendons: Basic Science," covers the anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and function of tendons. The second, entitled "Tendon Pathology: Injuries, Diseases, and Other Disorders," covers conditions ranging from overuse injury to spontaneous rupture, alterations associated with endocrinological and metabolic disorders, and principles of diagnosis and treatment.
As in any text that is intended to serve as a comprehensive reference while appealing to a broad-based readership, the coverage of specific topics is sometimes uneven and superficial. This is especially true in the section on diagnosis and treatment, which provides little more than an abbreviated overview of imaging techniques and some general, well accepted options for the treatment of a wide range of pathological disorders. Conversely, the authors do a masterful job of presenting the basic science of the physiology and pathology of tendons. The pathological conditions are described in great detail, and the authors blend their vast clinical experience with a well referenced review of the literature.
The exquisite photomicrographs in the chapters on anatomy and pathology are the highlights of the book. These are some of the best histological and electromicrographic images of tendons that I have ever seen, and they are invaluable for understanding the pathology associated with conditions such as overuse injury and spontaneous rupture. Most of this material is derived from the authors' own work, and it is an excellent example of their basic-science contributions to this field.
In summary, the authors have succeeded in their goal of providing a comprehensive reference on human tendons for a diverse audience. Although not intended to supplant more treatment-oriented texts on specific problems, this book will be an essential resource for anyone who is interested in the physiology and pathology of tendons.
Steven P. Arnoczky, D.V.M.
Laboratory for Comparative Orthopaedic Research
College of Veterinary Medicine
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan