Medical imaging of the spine is among the most frequently performed diagnostic studies
due to the high incidence of the very common clinical problem of acute or chronic
back pain.
Radiologists have a whole range of diagnostic modalities at their disposal to study
spine pathology. It is of the utmost importance that they be familiar with the advantages
and disadvantages of these different diagnostic techniques and are able to apply, in each
clinical situation, the method that is most likely to optimally solve the clinical problem
and indicate its correct management.
Many authors, all well known specialists in their fi eld, have contributed to this book
which offers a very complete update of our current insights into and knowledge of
common and less common disorders of the spine and the spinal cord.
The illustrations are numerous, highly informative and of impeccable technical
quality.
I am very much indebted to the editors, J.W.M. Van Goethem, L. van den Hauwe and
P.M. Parizel, for this superb volume which very much enriches the Medical Radiology
series. It will be of great interest to radiologists in training, certifi ed radiologists, as well
as to neurosurgeons, neurologists and rheumatologists.