Designed to meet the unique needs of physical therapist assistants, Fundamental Orthopedic Management for the Physical Therapist Assistant, 3rd Edition focuses on critical thinking and helps you apply fundamental orthopedic principles in physical therapy interventions. Clear explanations cover basic concepts such as the PTA's role in physical assessment of flexibility, strength, endurance, and balance, along with the specifics of tissue healing; medications; gait and joint mobilization; and an introduction to biomechanics. It also describes the application of therapeutic interventions for many orthopedic conditions by region and affliction. Edited by two experienced clinicians, Gary A. Shankman and Robert C. Manske, and written by contributors who are experts in their respective fields, this is your one-stop source for PTA practice in orthopedics. Comprehensive coverage addresses not only core concepts related to orthopedic care, but also includes biomechanics, pharmacology, in-depth reviews of the types of tissue healing, and the PTA's role in physical assessment and interventions. Over 600 illustrations and 75 summary tables reinforce orthopedic concepts and procedures. A focus on critical thinking and application prepares you for the treatment room and for the clinical practicum portions of the curriculum. Review questions at the end of each chapter prepare you for the kind of critical thinking you will be required to do in practice. Key terms and learning objectives begin each chapter, serving as checkpoints for understanding and helping you study effectively for examinations. Glossaries in each chapter make it easy to find definitions of key terminology. Useful appendices provide a quick reference to information such as commonly used medications, fracture eponyms, and reference ranges for lab tests. NEW Differential Diagnosis and Emergent Conditions chapter shows how similar symptoms can mask potentially dangerous pathologies and conditions, and may require re-evaluation by the supervising therapist. NEW Musculoskeletal Imaging chapter explains in basic terms the various types of musculoskeletal imaging used when examining musculoskeletal injuries. NEW Orthopedic Management Concepts Specific to Women chapter covers the issues, pathology, and progression of women's health issues as they relate to physical rehabilitation. NEW! Full-color design and illustrations add clarity to anatomy and procedural drawings and make it easier to learn important concepts. NEW! Important Concepts highlight useful tips and tricks of patient practice. NEW student resources on the Evolve companion website include critical thinking applications, weblinks to related sites, and references with links to Medline® abstracts.