The Physiology of the Joints, by I A Kapandji (vol 2, Lower Limb), Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 5th edn, 1987 (ISBN 0 443 03618 7). Illus. 242 pages. €10.95,

This book belongs to a series of three volumes which adopt a functional and bio- mechanical approach to the study of joints - the other volumes focusing on the upper limb and the trunk.

The revision of this second volume - devoted to the lower limb - which is now 20 years old, has been prompted by advances in orthopaedic surgery, in particular the use of prosthesis. The revised volume has been amended and expanded both in the text and in the illustrated section. The book is divided into five chapters devoted to the hip, the knee, the ankle, the foot and the plantar vault.

Fresh material is included in every chapter, but particularly in the chapter on the knee where improvements in clinical examination, arthroscopy and more recently the use of scanning devices have led to new ideas about the factors controlling the stability of the joint.

In the chapters devoted to the ankle and the foot the text focuses on the atypical features of the joints and on the constant flux in the direction and intensity of their mechanical constraints. New data are included on the instantaneous changes and interaction of the various axes of motion.

Throughout the book the functional anatomy is clearly and precisely presented. The explanatory notes on the mechanics of the joint and the physiology of muscle action are brief and clear. The text is well supported by 690 diagrams, which are clearly labelled.

This book is essential reading for any person involved in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal disorders. The logical approach adopted throughout the text enables the reader to build up a biomechanical picture of the joints and their function and would be a welcome addition to any staff room library.

S F JONES MCSP DipTP

Sports Medicine of the Lower Extremity, edited by S I Subotnick DPM MS. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1989 (ISBN 0 443 08560 9). Illus. 480 pages. €49.50.

Mr Subotnick has produced a splendid and well-set-out book with the contents in five sections and an index. There are 34 chapters in 480 pages with 145 illustrations. There are 29 contributors, seven of whom are medical practitioners, t w o physical therapists, four sports scientists (pyschologist, dietician, biomechanic and sports consultant), one chiropracter and 15 podiatrists. The dictionary defines podiatry as a branch of chiropody - the specialty that includes the diagnosis and/or medical, surgical, mechanical, physical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and deformities of the human foot.

Over the years the specialty has expanded

and now covers the lower limb. Podiatrists are, in effect, physical therapists who have paid particular attention to biomechanics and anatomy, and therefore occupy a niche once filled by physiotherapists. They have the added advantage of being licensed to give local anaesthesia and to perform surgical procedures on the foot. As 60% or more of sports injuries occur on the lower limb they are on solid ground. Their gain is a lost opportunity for physiotherapists.

This excellent book contains a wealth of anatomical and biomechanical diagrams which relate very well to the text and are easily understandable. The photographs are clean and also text-related.

The material provides a clear exposition of the lower limb and its injuries. The 3 4 chapters are contained in five sections which are headed: 'Sports medicine and athlete', 'Anatomy and biomechanics of the lower limb', 'Injuries of the lower extremity', 'Treatment of the lower extremity' and, last, 'Podiatric considerations of specific sports'.

Each chapter is referenced, with some containing suggestions for further reading. Maitland, MacKenzie and Kaltenborn are mentioned but not Cyriax. The only medical practitioner I recognised was Allan J Ryan, a world authority in the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS).

A recommended tome of value especially for areas not normally covered by physio- therapists. It should be useful for the learner and established sports physiotherapist; it may well be of value to orthopaedic physiotherapists. It would grace the reference library.

J A FOWLER BA MCSP DipTP

Freedom of Movement in the Community: Entry and residence, by Jean-Claude SBch6. Commission of the European Communities, Luxembourg, 1988 (ISBN 92 825 8660 X). 69 pages. ECU 7.50.

This document is a contribution to the campaign to ensure that the public is fully informed of the implications of the 'area without internal frontiers' to be established in Europe by 1992.

It sets out the Community legislation on entry and residence, necessary following the insertion of a new Article (8A) into the Treaty of Rome which laid down the principle of the 'internal market'.

The distinction between workers and the self-employed is maintained, although the rules are often identical in substance. The texts of various directives, establishing freedom of movement for workers, freedom of establishment for the self-employed and the rights of residence for members of the families of both groups are included.

The legislation set out here governs movement of persons, but anyone travelling in the Community has also to take account of the restrictions which still apply to the free movement of goods - for example, rules on VAT and excise duties.

Finally, this book reminds us that

Community law prohibits any discrimination on grounds of nationality in the fields covered by the Treaty and it is a useful companion to the author's previous work A Guide to Working in a Europe Without Frontiers.

PATRICIA ALLCHURCH BA MCSP

Nursing Quality Assurance Directory: RCN Standards of Care Project. Royal College of Nursing and King Edward's Hospital Fund for London, 2nd edition, 1988. 168 pages. €5.

This is a reference document recording quality assurance activities in nursing throughout the United Kingdom. It co- ordinates information submitted by District health authorities in response to a questionnaire from the Royal College of Nursing and aims to provide a practical working tool to be used by practitioners to network information and seek support and advice.

The volume of data, which in this edition greatly exceeds that in the first, will be accessed into the King's Fund Quality Assurance database.

Listed by Region and District are names of co-ordinators/contact persons, addresses and telephone numbers, clinical specialties and brief project details. A significant proportion of activity relates to pre- formulated measurement tools, eg Monitor, but there are also examples of local standard setting and use of patient satisfaction surveys .

The directory is of limited interest to physiotherapists but may be useful. to anyone developing standards on a multi- disciplinary basis.

JEAN ALVIS MCSP DMS

Preparing for Pregnancy, by Phillip J Robarts MB ChB MRCOG. Faber and Faber, London, 1988 (ISBN 0 571 15106 X ) . €2.95 paperback.

The author states in his preface that this little book is intended to cover areas which he sees as important for people to be aware of when contemplating pregnancy.

The book is small and light, easy to handle and to read. It is aimed at potential parents and the information contained is easily understood yet sufficiently scientific for professionals to benefit as well. The contents cover subjects from reproduction and fetal development, through diet, drugs and infections, to genetic considerations and sexual problems. There are clear tables to illustrate the text which is clearly written. Medical terms are used with explanations and there is a very sensible reassuring chapter on abnormalities.

This is an excellent book for anyone who is interested in preconceptual care, be it prospective parents, doctors, health visitors, midwives or physiotherapists. I think it would be of benefit to those concerned with sexual education in schools.

ROSEMARY FRANK MCSP

physiotherapy, Januav 1990, vol 76, no 1 52