Occupational Medicine

By J D Lomax, E Johanning. (Pp 253; US$ 29.95.) 2001. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkin. ISBN 0 7817 2053 2

This small and low priced book is one of a series produced by the American Academy of Family Practitioners. As such it is aimed at the general practitioner (GP) and seeks to provide a short guide to the sort of occupational health problems GPs are likely to meet. The arrangement of material is excellent and the book is both well written and well illustrated. The section on skeletomuscular disorders is especially good. A useful review of the key anatomy is provided: this will be of use to all whose 2nd MB days are far away. A good deal of detail is provided in tabular form: did you know that fractures of the trapezium bone account for less than 5% of all carpal fractures? I confess I didn't! Diagnostic tests are referred to by eponyms: Finkelstein's test, Tinel's sign, Phalen's manoeuvre are all to do with wrist and hand problems. Infectious diseases are well summarised and clear guidance on differential diagnosis and treatment is provided. Occupational lung diseases are treated briefly; not much more is possible in a short book, but a good bibliography including key United Kingdom publications is provided. Interestingly there is a chapter on indoor environmental quality: legionellosis, Pontiac fever and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis are described. The book ends with a useful section on sources of further information.

Although aimed at GPs, there is much here for the beginner in occupational medicine. At its price this is a bargain.