Book excerpt: Musculoskeletal medicine is now recognised as a distinct branch of medicine, incorporating the sub-specialities of manual medicine, orthopaedic medicine, and the neuromusculoskeletal component of osteopathic medicine. The editors of this volume have been active in promoting the discipline worldwide, and this new edition is the ideal reference for doctors and therapists wishing to expand and improve their skill base, or to further their careers and academic accomplishments, to the benefit of the patient. With contributions from international experts, Oxford Textbook of Musculoskeletal Medicine 2e is an authoritative account of the basis of musculoskeletal medicine in contemporary medical society. It provides the reader with advanced knowledge of the conceptual basis, diagnostic challenge, and pragmatic management of the neuromusculoskeletal system. Now with almost 500 illustrations, this is a practical, easy-to-read text with a clinical focus. New chapters cover the latest evidence on efficacy and effectiveness of management strategies, the provision of services, and the latest developments in musculoskeletal ultrasound, making this new edition a comprehensive reference on musculoskeletal medicine. This print edition of The Oxford Textbook of Musculoskeletal Medicine comes with a year's access to the online version on Oxford Medicine Online. By activating your unique access code, you can read and annotate the full text online, follow links from the references to primary research materials, and view, enlarge and download all the figures and tables.