Vahlensieck M, Reiser M. MRI of the Musculoskeletal System: 2nd Edition. Thieme; 2017; 696 pp; 2,062 ill; $274.99.
The second edition of MRI of the Musculoskeletal System provides a comprehensive and well-illustrated overview of MRI in the evaluation of the joints. This 677-page hardcover textbook is edited by Martin Vahlensieck and Maximilian Reiser and includes 22 contributors, the majority of whom are affiliated with German institutions. This edition contains new and updated content, references to websites for further information on specific topics, and research tips for more effective use of keyword search terms. As would be desired for any radiological resource, the highlight of the book is the more than 2,000 high-quality, large-sized MR images.
Overall, the textbook is complete, accurate, and well structured. The book chapters are organized according to an anatomic region of the body. The subject in each chapter is logically laid out and comprehensively reviewed. A precise outline with the page numbers of the corresponding sections is displayed at the beginning of each chapter, in addition to the main table of contents and the subject index, which will be of value for quick references while reading a case, preparing educational lectures, and teaching in a one-on-one environment.
The chapters follow a similar format with a discussion of specific imaging techniques, anatomy, related pathologies, relevant post-treatment findings, and potential sources of mistakes when interpreting images. Most of the chapters conclude with a section on clinical relevance that incorporates a noteworthy “clinical Interview” with a field specific expert aimed at providing insight into the perceived role of MRI in practice, as well as the disorders that result in the most false-positive and false-negative MRI results. A comprehensive list of clearly enumerated references is provided after each chapter, which facilitates correlation with the chapter contents.
Although written primarily for musculoskeletal radiologists, the textbook contains sufficient material for the neuroradiologist, specifically the chapters dedicated to the spine, temporomandibular joint, the jaws, and periodontal apparatus. The topics in the 54-page spine chapter encompass relevant anatomy, congenital anomalies, degenerative conditions, spondylitis and spondylodiscitis, posttraumatic changes, postoperative findings, and spinal tumors, including a notable discussion on features that distinguish osteoporotic from pathologic compression fractures. The chapter on the temporomandibular joint focuses on anatomy and disorders of the articular disk with excellent schematic diagrams of disk displacement and corresponding MR images. The chapter on the jaws and periodontal apparatus overviews the topics of periodontitis, osteomyelitis, dentogenic sinusitis, jaw osteonecrosis, and dental and augmentation implants.
If one considers other areas where there is an overlap with neuroradiology, there is further appeal to those who interpret neuro-based cases such as chapters dedicated to the muscles, bone marrow, osteoporosis, and bone and soft tissue tumors, giving the reader a good reference for usual pathologic patterns that can be applied to different anatomic structures. As the sacroiliac joints are routinely included in the field of view on lumbar spine examinations, the chapter dedicated to this joint would also provide value to the neuroradiologist with its description of anatomy, including the commonly observed lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, and varied etiologies and findings seen in sacroilitis, which may be associated with the imaging findings seen in the lumbar spine or perhaps provide an unsuspected answer to the clinical indication for the examination.
The first chapter of the book covers relevant magnetic resonance imaging techniques, which can serve as an excellent basis for understanding conventional image-acquisition. This chapter also incorporates succinct sections on magnetic resonance angiography, myelography, and neurography. The remaining bulk of the textbook is geared more directly for the musculoskeletal imager with chapters dedicated to shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist and fingers, hip and pelvis, and lower leg, ankle, and foot. However, even within these more musculoskeletal specific chapters, the neuroradiologist can find information that may be relevant to a one’s practice, including disorders of the peripheral nerves, such as the imaging findings seen in nerve compression syndromes and peripheral nerve sheath tumors. All of the chapters are well done with exhaustive, accurate information and superb images, which can serve as valuable references to the reader.
In summary, this textbook is an updated and complete resource for MR imaging of all the major joints. This book would make a suitable addition to any departmental library and would be particularly appropriate for those working in the field of musculoskeletal disorders, valuable to both practicing radiologists and residents. The quality of images and associated annotations, the effectiveness of the schematic diagrams, the completeness of relevant anatomy and pathologies, and the all-inclusive nature of this textbook make it a worthwhile investment.
