Immobilized Patient

Teach us to live that we may dread Unnecessary time in bed Get people up and we may save Our patients from an early grave. A most revealing paraphrase by Asher* of a verse by Bishop Thomas Ken more than adequately summarizes the plight of the immobilized patient, who often lies dormant and de- pressed for years on end. In this volume, Dr. Steinberg has offered the reader a unique opportunity to share his many years of experience in caring for the immobilized patient. His careful attempt to explore the pathophysiologic effects of immobilization on a number of organ systems, combined with a host of practical aspects with regard to patient care, is unique and refreshing. This text should command the re- spect of any physician faced with the vicissitudes and frus- trations of caring for the immobilized. The final chapter de- tailing "e;The Psychological Aspects of Immobilization,"e; by Hammer and Kenan, offers the reader considerable insight into the essentials and value of occupational and physical therapy. It should prove most valuable to physicians as well "e;Asher, R. A. ]. Dangers of going to bed. Br. Med. J. 2:907, 1947. v vi FOREWORD as social workers, paramedical personnel, and the many physical therapists who come into daily contact with the nonambulatory patient. L. V. Avioli St. Louis Preface It may be a paradox that the importance of disability and immobilization has been enhanced by the very progress of medical science.