The Oxford American Handbook of Rheumatology (2nd Edition) is a pocket-size reference guide to the diagnosis and management of a wide spectrum of rheumatologic disorders. The Handbook is divided into 2 major sections. The first focuses on the approach to and differential diagnosis of overarching concepts in rheumatology, broken down by region (neck, back, lower extremity, foot, etc.) and by patterns of disease presentations. Functional anatomy, relevant history, physical examination, and investigations are outlined in a succinct but detailed manner. The second section of the Handbook addresses specific disease entities including short reviews of epidemiology, clinical features, investigations, and management. Where relevant, classification criteria are outlined. While most appears relevant to adult rheumatology practice, there are a number of sections devoted to musculoskeletal disease in children.
While designed to fit into a lab coat pocket, it is also available as an e-book, making it a useful point-of-care reference. It provides a suitable framework for students or residents studying rheumatology. However, its level of detail appears mostly aimed at the rheumatology resident or fellow, but it could be a useful quick reference for the practicing family physician, internist, and rheumatologist. The Handbook appears quite up to date, well organized, and comprehensive. Every word counts, but the style is reader-friendly. It contains some useful “pearls” and fun facts — helpful to the student and the practicing physician. My major criticism is that the table of contents does not do justice to the Handbook.