Khanna AJ, ed. MRI Essentials for the Spine Specialist. Thieme; 2014; 304 pgs; 489 illustrations; $139.99
MRI Essentials for the Spine Specialist, written primarily for orthopedic surgeons, pain management specialists, and those in physical medicine and rehabilitation, is a multi-authored (27), 297-page hardcover book that introduces the reader to the major topics in spine MR imaging. Twelve chapters cover the normal findings on MR, the physical basis of MR, the essentials of MR techniques, safety considerations, and the common and less common pathological conditions shown on MR. The fact that 11 radiologists are contributions to this text keeps the book accurate, with good quality images (a caveat being that many of the MRAs are not state of the art).
Interestingly, the authors have ended each chapter with a number of quiz-type questions, mainly multiple choice. Any experienced neuroradiologist would be able to correctly answer the vast majority of the questions without having to read the chapter. If you can secure a copy, test yourself.
The chapters that describe all spine levels are: Essentials of MR Physics and Pulse Sequences; Normal MR Anatomy; Pain Generators in the Cervical Spine; Thoracic Spine; Lumbar Spine; Spine Tumors; Pediatric Spine, Advanced MR Techniques; Correlative Studies; MR Safety.
What is presented is accurate and properly illustrated; however, missing from this book are chapters on the brachial plexus and lumbar sacral plexus. While not strictly “spine topics”, these areas often are evaluated with the spine when certain clinical situations exist. Unfortunately, short shrift is paid to the sacrum (1 paragraph), which also is an area in which those involved in spine MR should be familiar. Perhaps in a next edition these topics can be included.
