Book Reviews

Title: The Knee, Clinical Applications

A. L. Logan Series in Chiropractic Technique

Author:       Alfred L. Logan, DC
With a contribution by Lindsay J. Rowe, DC, DACBR
Publication:  Softcover text, 169 pages
Publisher:    Aspen Publishers, Inc.  Phone: (800) 234-1660
Category:     Doctor/Student education

Because there are two authors of this text, this review will be done in two sections with a concluding statement and overall evaluation rating.

Chapters 1-3 deal with anatomy, examination and muscle testing.

Anatomy: This chapter provides an extremely sparse overview of the gross anatomy of the knee joint with illustrations, that are to say the least, sadly lacking any resemblance to reality. The chapter also includes some biomechanical considerations that do not take into consideration the differences, between the closer kinetic chain position and the open kinetic chain position, and are diametrically opposed to the current state of the art biomechanics texts.

Examination: When one considers the many authors that have written entire volumes on the examination of the knee joint in both open and closed kinematics chain positions and have drawn conclusions based on lack of function it becomes quite perplexing to try to fathom the concepts of dynamic palpatory examination procedure which is then listed in a static format. Chiropractic is about motion not bones out of place!

Muscle Testing: This chapter, for the most part, is based on the work of others and is adequately done.

Chapter 4 by Dr. Lindsay Rowe is, as always with this author, a joy to read. It is clear, concise, and precise in every way. The reproduction of the radiographs are excellent and the line illustrations informative without being overdone with artistic misinterpretations of osseous architecture. The highlight of this text is this chapter.

Chapter 5, Adjective Techniques: Without a doubt the biggest disappointment of this text is this chapter. Little if any consideration is given to convex-concave relationships or coupled motions of the knee joint with respect to specific adjustments. The procedures shown are reminiscent of non-specific maneuvers from the early 1900s and lack the specificity and understanding of dynamic function.

Chapters 6 and 7: These two chapters cover conditions and therapy, exercises and stretches. This text does not even scratch the surface of the above stated contents. For example there are according to multiple authors eleven instabilities of the knee joint and a conservative estimate lists thirty documented knee syndromes that are treatable by chiropractic care. None of these are in the text.

Chapter 8, Case Histories: These case histories are informative and certainly lead the reader to think of alternative causes as to the patients dilemma and that the location of pain is not always the site of the problem.

Appendix A and B: Appendix A is a cursory review of organic problems and the knee. A number of the theories of the past are reviewed as well as the author's own views on this subject. Generally, this is an informative chapter with the only short coming being in the omission of actual correlations between the segments that supply the viscera and the reality of the same. The bright side of this chapter is that the doctor or student is enlightened to the fact that viscera can refer pain to sites distal or proximal from there location.

Appendix B Palpation: This is quagmire of contradictions, permutations, transmogrifications, and warrants. No further comment.

Summary: The chapter by Dr. Rowe is the salvation of this text and anyone purchasing it should consider the remainder with a jaundiced eye.

Innes Rating: Chapters by Dr. Logan: 3
Chapter by Dr. Rowe: 9
Overall Rating: 4

Title: The Chiropractic Theories, Principles & Clinical Applications, Third Edition Category: Doctor and student education Author: Robert A. Leach, AA, DC, FICC Publication: Hard cover, 401 pages, $49.00 Publisher: William & Wilkins

Editor's Note: This is a reprint of the review published in the 11-4-94 issue of "DC." For ordering information, please see item #T-156 on the Preferred Reading & Viewing List, or call 1-800-359-2289.

In this third edition, Dr. Leach continues to improve upon the first two editions. If you have not been one of those fortunate enough to have read either the previous editions, you have deprived yourself long enough. Dr. Leach has summarized in this one book what chiropractic truly is all about.

In his preface, Dr. Leach states, "This book is about a hope, a fear, and a future." If the knowledge accumulated in this third edition would be assimilated by the majority of our profession, it would be a bright future indeed. This work takes chiropractic theory out of the realm of dogma and brings it into the light of a scientifically grounded health care profession. In reading the various chapters, all extremely well-referenced, you begin to appreciate how much work has already been completed to demonstrate the efficacy of what chiropractors do for the benefit of patients. The many theories are discussed with both pros and cons presented without bias or emotional overlay.

The third edition has several new chapters which reflect the changes in research terminology: Segmental Dysfunction Hypothesis; Soft Outcome Measures of Dysfunction; Hard Outcome Measures of Dysfunction; Facilitation Hypothesis and Developing Chiropractic Scientist/Practitioners. The chapters on outcome measures, both hard and soft, is very informative regarding procedures we use, or should use, on a daily basis and their validity. Several of the outcome questionnaires available are also discussed and referenced.

There is also good clinical correlation regarding the theories and the type of clinical problems seen in a chiropractic office. Dr. Leach has provided a number of algorithms for both evaluation and treatment. These provide a ready visual reference for the practicing chiropractic to use in the office.

This is a textbook that everyone interested in the advancement of the chiropractic profession should read and reread. The material Dr. Leach presents should be required reading in all of our chiropractic colleges. As Dr. Leach notes in the book, this shouldn't be viewed as an end but as a beginning. His work, it is hoped, will inspire increased development of "practitioner/scientists" in chiropractic. Without reservation, I rate this book a 10.

Savoie Rating: 10

Editor's note: If you have authored, published, or produced a chiropractically oriented book, audiotape, or video package which is educational, nonpromotional, and written or produced in a professional manner, and would like it reviewed in Dynamic Chiropractic, please send two copies of the item to: