Musculoskeletal Outcomes Measures and Instruments

Abstract

Michael Suk, Beate P. Hanson, Daniel C. Norvell, and David L. Helfet. New York: Thieme; 2005. 444 pages. $89.95. The authors of this handbook identify in the preface their primary intent to “identify the most commonly used musculoskeletal outcomes instruments reported in the literature.” They have successfully achieved this goal. In the introduction, they further state that their purpose is to “facilitate the use of outcomes instruments in daily clinical practice.” This handbook, which serves as an easily usable resource within the office setting, does help to fulfill this purpose. The authors also state that they would like to “ease critical assessment of academic journal articles.” This particular function is more related to issues surrounding clinical research design. This handbook will not facilitate this function. The authors also state that they would like to “foster the development of new and improved outcomes instruments …