This book fills a void that has existed in pediatric rheumatology by providing a single text in which the entire spectrum of childhood musculoskeletal diseases, including rheumatic, orthopedic, and physical medicine, is presented. The stress placed on the multidisciplinary approach necessary for the optimum care of children is a recurring and important theme throughout the book. The contributors to this volume represent the leaders in their various fields and bring substantial experience, knowledge, and contributions to their subjects. The book is divided into seven parts: "The Child as a Unique Patient," "Rheumatic Diseases," "Infections of Bones and Joints," "Metabolic and Genetic Diseases," "Orthopedic Disorders," "Radiology," and "Physical Medicine." "The Child as a Unique Patient" provides an excellent introduction to the later sections devoted to the presentation of specific disease entities. Beginning with a discussion of a clinical and diagnostic overview of the child with a musculoskeletal complaint, the section continues