ABC of Spinal Cord Injury CMAJ 1997;157:194 © 1997 Canadian Medical Association 3rd ed. David Grundy and Andrew Swain. 64 pp. Illust. BMJ Publishing Group, London. 1996. Distributed in Canada by the Canadian Medical Association, Ottawa. $36.95 ($30.95 CMA members). ISBN 0-7279-1049-3 [ How to order this book ] Overall rating: Good Strengths: Easy to read and well illustrated; tackles long-term management issues not usually addressed Weaknesses: British references to support services Audience: Emergency and family physicians involved in caring for patients with spinal cord injury ABC of Spinal Cord Injury reviews and summarizes the assessment and management of patients with cord injuries, from the accident scene to long-term care. It is directed toward generalists involved in the care of these patients. The primary authors are consultants in accident and emergency medicine and in spinal injuries. They have called upon health care personnel with other areas of expertise (urology, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and social work) to provide a comprehensive picture of the problems these patients experience and the ways of dealing with them. The text is well written, with approximately half of the pages devoted to high-quality photos, illustrations, radiographs and tables. Whereas most books cover only the initial care of such patients, this one deals succinctly with aspects of their continuing management. Issues addressed include urologic problems, respiratory support and care, transfers and seating, living arrangements, and family and sexual life. Long-term problems with pain management and surgical interventions to improve lifestyle are discussed. The material is up to date. Variations in management -- for example, in the use of high doses of steroids to treat patients with spinal cord injury -- are addressed. The many references to sources of financial and other support services are of value to a British reader, but are lost on a North American one. However, the references still serve to indicate what types of supports are needed and where they can be sought. The book is a source of much useful information for physicians involved in the initial and continuing care of patients with spinal cord injuries. The easy-to-read format and ample illustrations add to its value. Lynne Fulton, BA, MD Staff Emergency Physician Sunnybrook Health Science Centre North York, Ont. Send a letter to the editor responding to this article Envoyez une lettre à la rédaction au sujet de cet article | CMAJ July 15, 1997 (vol 157, no 2) / JAMC le 15 juillet 1997 (vol 157, no 2) |