The 5th Edition of the Diagnosis And Treatment Manual For Physicians And Therapists is now available, significantly expanded to provide comprehensive guidance for healthcare professionals. This essential resource is structured into four volumes, ensuring you have access to the most up-to-date information for effective patient care. Volumes 1 and 2 contain detailed treatment guidelines specifically for common medical diagnoses and surgical procedures related to the upper extremity. To further support patient care, Volume 3 offers patient handouts in English, while Volume 4 provides the same handouts in Spanish. Each manual order includes all four volumes, offering an extensive resource with over 300 pages per volume. This substantial growth reflects the increasing depth and breadth of the manual over its editions.
Originally conceived in 1983, the first edition of this manual was designed as a practical guide for fellows managing patients daily. Its initial purpose was to streamline therapy guidelines within our practice. However, the value and demand for this resource quickly grew as guests and fellows recognized its potential for broader application in various clinical settings.
Through each subsequent edition, the Diagnosis and Treatment Manual for Physicians and Therapists has evolved considerably, gaining recognition and popularity amongst a wide range of medical professionals. Physicians, therapists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, case managers, rehab nurses, and athletic trainers have all found this manual to be an invaluable tool. Medical institutions such as hospitals and clinics utilize it as a cornerstone for establishing safe and effective treatment guidelines, enhancing the standard of patient care.
The authors have consistently found these treatment guidelines and patient handouts to be exceptionally useful in practice. Driven by this utility, we are pleased to share this wealth of knowledge with colleagues both nationally and internationally. We firmly believe that by collaboratively sharing our collective knowledge and expertise, we can significantly improve the quality of patient care and ultimately achieve better patient outcomes worldwide.
We trust that this eagerly anticipated 5th edition will not only meet but exceed your expectations, serving as a crucial resource in your ongoing commitment to patient care.
Preface: A Foundation for Customized Patient Care
The “Diagnosis and Treatment Manual for Physicians & Therapists,” now in its fifth edition, is designed to be a vital resource for a diverse group of healthcare professionals. This includes physicians, therapists, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, case managers, athletic trainers, and others involved in managing patients with medical conditions or injuries affecting the hand and upper extremity. It is important to understand that this manual is not intended to be a rigid protocol or a “cookbook” approach for treating the extensive list of diagnoses and surgical procedures it covers. Instead, its primary function is to provide a solid foundation for developing individualized treatment programs tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
The authors emphasize the critical importance of understanding that each patient presents a unique medical history, condition, injury, and/or surgical experience. Therefore, the expertise and clinical judgment of each medical professional are indispensable. These skills are essential for adapting the therapy program to the individual patient and for making necessary modifications to the treatment plan as the patient progresses—or if progress is not being made as expected. It is in this capacity as a flexible, adaptable guide that we believe the manual is most effective and fulfills its intended purpose.
Contributing Authors – Past Editions: A Legacy of Expertise
The Diagnosis and Treatment Manual for Physicians and Therapists is built upon the collective experience and contributions of numerous therapists who have been part of The Hand Rehabilitation Center of Indiana since 1978. Their contributions are diverse and significant, ranging from direct involvement in the written content to the creation of innovative orthotic designs, the introduction of novel treatment techniques, and consistently achieving excellent patient outcomes through dedicated care. Each of these professionals has undeniably enriched patient care. We proudly acknowledge and celebrate their invaluable contributions over the years. These former therapists include:
[List of names as in the original article – Megan Albright to Bridget Callahan Zaro]
Contributing Authors – 5th Edition: Collaborative Knowledge for Enhanced Outcomes
The current team of therapists at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center continues to deliver outstanding patient care daily. Each therapist generously shares their expertise and insights in patient treatment with their colleagues, fostering a collaborative environment of continuous learning and improvement. It is the shared aspiration of every co-author of this 5th edition (each identified within the manual itself) to enhance the quality of patient care and improve patient outcomes through the dissemination of the knowledge contained within this publication.
The development of a manual of this scope and depth would not be possible without the extraordinary guidance and input provided over many years by the surgeons of The Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of these hand surgeons:
Current Surgeons:
William B. Kleinman, MD, Thomas J. Fischer, MD, Robert M. Baltera, MD, Jeffrey A. Greenberg, MD, Thomas D. Kaplan, MD, Gregory A. Merrell, MD, Nicholas E. Crosby, MD, Kathryn M. Peck, MD, Reed W. Hoyer, MD and Brandon S. Smetana, MD
Their extensive contributions to the fields of hand surgery and hand therapy have been instrumental in shaping the treatment programs recommended in this manual. Their expertise has significantly elevated the standard of patient care worldwide.
- Nancy M. Cannon, OTR, CHT – Editor
Dedication – 5th Edition: Honoring Visionary Leadership
Founding Directors – The Hand Rehabilitation Center of Indiana
Elaine Fess and Karan Gettle, the visionary founding directors of The Hand Rehabilitation Center of Indiana, established a robust foundation for hand therapy within the institution. Their unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality patient care and advancing medical education is deeply reflected in this manual. This 5th edition is dedicated to them in recognition of their pioneering work and lasting impact.
Elaine E. Fess, OTD, OTR, FAOTA, CHT
Karan H. Gettle, MS, OTR
Hand Fellows
Since 1975, the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center has had the privilege of welcoming an exceptional cohort of hand fellows each year. These fellows become integral to our practice, playing a vital role in patient care and willingly sharing their specialized knowledge. Throughout their careers, they have made substantial contributions to research, medical publications, and active participation in professional organizations. Therefore, it is with great honor that we dedicate this 5th edition not only to our founding directors but also to our past and present fellows.
