Book Info
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Text, for residents and clinicians, includes practical material necessary in order to perform quality MRI, but without the indepth details. 'Boxes of information' summarize important or difficult to understand or remember. Abundant halftone illustrations are included. DNLM: Musculoskeletal Diseases--diagnosis.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Covers the essentials of MR imaging of the musculoskeletal system, including joints, osseous, and soft tissue.

FROM THE CRITICS

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: B. J. Manaster, MD, PhD (University of Colorado Health Sciences Center)Description: This book covers musculoskeletal MR, not in an all-inclusive sense, but in a very practical way. It presents the material required to both produce a technically high-quality MR and give a reasonable and accurate interpretation. Purpose: The authors specifically planned to present a small book which covers the basics of MSK MR with accessible language, providing a basis on which the resident can build and be able to reference the more comprehensive texts if necessary. The objectives are certainly worthwhile; there is no other excellent "starter" MSK MR book available. The book meets these laudible objectives. Audience: The book is written primarily for the radiology resident, but would be useful for many general radiology practitioners as well. The authors are authorities in the field, well known for their practical approach to clinical work and lectures. The book uses straightforward language that we have come to expect from these authors. Difficult topics are discussed with good humor, without being overbearing or distracting. (Watch for the DYN lesion in the box on acronyms and eponyms of the shoulder.) Features: The book starts with a chapter on MR, with specifications relative to sequences and pitfalls of imaging specific MSK sites and tissues. This is an excellent section. This is followed by chapters devoted to specific tissues, and then some specific categories of disease (tumor, arthritis, trauma, etc.). The bone marrow section is particularly good. The book then moves on to particular joints; of these chapters, the one on the shoulder was exceptionally good. The book offers three approaches to learning, which can be followed according to time and inclination. The text is outstanding and the illustrations are appropriate (no esoterica, and easily seen abnormalities). Boxes outline hints and lists that the authors find helpful in their teaching. These three methods, particularly the boxes, are helpful for both quick reference and as a different way of making a point. For example, the two "halo" signs helpful in distinguishing active versus resolving marrow lesions are presented in text, box, and illustrative forms. Assessment: This book is a great introduction to the practical information needed to produce a high-quality and well-interpreted MSK MR. It references the more in-depth discussions in other more inclusive works. However, this book itself is enough to make a fine start in understanding MSK MR. I will recommend it to my residents and keep it on my reading room shelf for their use.

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