There are four volumes to the 5th edition! Volumes 1 & 2 are the treatment guidelines for the most common medical diagnoses and surgical procedures specific to the upper extremity. Volume 3 is a set of patient handouts in English. Volume 4 is a set of patient handouts in Spanish. Each order includes all four volumes. There are over 300 pages in each volume. The manual has definitely expanded!  

The 1st edition of the manual was written in 1983. It was created to provide general therapy guidelines for the fellows managing our patients day to day. Over time, our guests and fellows were interested in having the information in their clinical settings.  

With each new edition the manual has grown both in content and in popularity with physicians, therapists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, case managers, rehab nurses, athletic trainers, among others. Medical settings, such as hospitals and clinics, have found the manual serving as a valuable foundation for safe and effective treatment guidelines for patient care.  

The authors have found the treatment guidelines and patient handouts particularly valuable. It is for this reason, we are happy to share this information with colleagues around the country and around the world. It is believed that through the collective sharing of all our knowledge and expertise, we are able to strengthen the quality of patient care and patient outcomes.

We are hopeful this long-awaited edition will meet your expectations and serve as a valuable resource as you care for your patients.

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Preface

The “Diagnosis and Treatment Manual for Physicians & Therapists” is now in its fifth edition. The manual should serve as a resource for physicians, therapists, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, case managers, athletic trainers and other health care professionals managing patients with hand and upper extremity medical conditions or injuries. This manual is not meant to be an absolute of treatment, nor is it meant to provide some type of “cookbook” approach for treating the extensive listing of diagnoses and surgical procedures contained within this manual. Instead, the information is intended to serve as the foundation for developing a customized treatment program for the patient. The authors feel it is vitally important to have this level of understanding. Each individual patient’s medical history, medical condition, injury and/or surgery are unique to that individual. Each medical professional’s expertise and judgment is essential for tailoring the patient’s therapy program to the individual patient and modifying the treatment plan over time, according to the patient’s progress or lack thereof. I believe the manual meets this purpose.

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Contributing Authors - Former Editions

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Numerous therapists, who have worked at The Hand Rehabilitation Center of Indiana since 1978, have contributed to this manual in one way or another. They may have assisted with the written work, created a new orthotic design, unveiled a new treatment pearl or demonstrated excellent outcomes with their approach to direct patient care. To a person, they have made valuable contributions to patient outcomes. I am proud to have worked with these outstanding professionals through the years and recognize them for their contributions. Those former therapists include: