13/10/2025
Based on Mark Laslett's more than 50 years of clinical practice and research, 'The Science & Art of Musculoskeletal Diagnosis' offers a 'how to' approach to understanding and managing the mathematics and clinical application of diagnostic science. Reliability and validity of musculoskeletal tests, and the methods in clinical practice are described in simple, easy-to-grasp language.
See the website https://www.drmarklaslett.com/ for full details and the Foreword by Dr Gwendolyn Jull, Emeritus Professor at the University of Queensland.
Volume I: Principles (178 pages), is divided into two sections:
Section 1. Covers the Science of diagnostics. This section has three chapters:
Clinical assessment data.
Reliability. Inter- and intra-examiner reliability are explored for both dichotomous and continuous data variables.
Validity and diagnostic accuracy. Detailed coverage of sensitivity, specificity, the likelihood ratios, pre-and post-test probability, Fagan’s nomogram, and Bayesian clinical reasoning.
Free downloadable Excel spreadsheets are available and enable clinicians to use real time data from clinical assessment in the design and implementation of scientifically based diagnostics. Statistical values like Kappa, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), sensitivity, specificity, the predictive values, likelihood ratios, and overall diagnostic accuracy are automatically calculated so that the emphasis is on understanding rather than on the calculation process.
These Excel spreadsheets may be accessed free of charge from Dr Laslett' website: https://www.drmarklaslett.com/
A short video on how to access and use the spreadsheets is available on YouTube, here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvPVI6GnA_I&t=4s
Section 2. Covers the Art of diagnosis. The art of diagnosis is the utilitarian, practical application of the science in clinical practice. Dr Laslett's intimate knowledge of the systems created by Dr James Cyriax and Robin McKenzie is an invaluable background to his development of the art. Dr Laslett shows how the source and cause of musculoskeletal pain may be identified in principle and practice, rejecting the notion that the accuracy and specificity of diagnosis are difficult or impossible. The use of clinical assessment findings, imaging, and interventional diagnostic procedures is described in detail.
This book specifically targets clinicians learning musculoskeletal diagnosis, from undergraduate level with progression into clinical practice and ultimately research. The gaps in the evidence are clearly described, so that new, prospective and experienced researchers can build on the last 100 years of knowledge and experience. This book should become a standard text for all medical doctors, physiotherapists and other clinicians dealing with musculoskeletal pain conditions on a daily basis and for clinical researchers.
Volume II of the text is a separate publication and is subtitled "Implementation of Principles with Case Studies". It comprises 390 pages. It consists of 27 case reports presented and organised in a way that facilitates the learning and skill development needed to apply musculoskeletal diagnosis principles in real clinical practice. The case studies are drawn from Dr Laslett's own clinical and research environment, with some cases provided by experienced clinicians with whom Dr Laslett has worked. This second volume is a vital companion to Volume I.
