Musculoskeletal: Top 100 Diagnoses by David W. Stoller, Phillip F.J. Tirman,
and Miriam A. Bredella
Harcourt Health Sciences, St. Louis, 2002, soft-cover, $49.95; PDA software, $69.95.
This 260-page soft-cover book is one of a series of high-quality, pocket-sized and practical references featuring the leading 100 diagnoses in the major imaging subspecialties. Dr. Anne G. Osborn edits the series, and world-renowned experts author each book. In this case, Dr. David Stoller, a well-known musculoskeletal radiologist and educator, takes a turn as lead author.
The book aims to provide "a quick reference designed to deliver succinct, up-to-date information to practicing professionals." Its strengths lie in the quality of images, the case selection, and concise summaries of each diagnosis.
The diagnoses are organized regionally into six chapters (shoulder, elbow, wrist & hand, hip, knee, ankle & foot) and categorically into three chapters (bone marrow, bone tumors, and soft tissue tumors).
The 100 "conditions" are accompanied by tabulated summaries that include key facts, clinical issues, imaging findings, pathologic features, differential diagnoses, and references.
Every case is expertly illustrated with high-resolution MR images and comprehensive captions. Many cases also include full color anatomic-pathologic computer graphic images of equally sharp resolution. And the top-quality paper serves to enhance the photographic reproductions.
The range of diagnoses in each regional chapter focus mainly on internal joint derangements such as injuries to tendons, ligaments, cartilage and other soft tissues. Fractures, dislocations, avascular necrosis, variations, degenerative diseases and other pathologies are also presented.
The last three chapters deal with bone marrow disorders (blood disorders, metastases, myeloma, and Paget’s disease), 12 varieties of benign and malignant bone tumors, and six different soft tissue tumors (fibromatosis, lipoma, neurofibroma, liposarcoma, malignant fibrous hystiocytoma, and synovial sarcoma). Each case is accompanied by 1 to 3 current references that direct the reader to further reading.
One minor quibble: The title "Musculoskeletal MR Imaging" would have more accurately reflected the emphasis on this modality. Although the text discusses the findings seen on conventional radiography, CT, scintigraphy, and ultrasound in many cases, only MR illustrations are used. A similar book containing the 100 leading musculoskeletal diagnoses on CR would be a welcome addition to this series.
The book is highly recommended for general radiologists or clinicians interpreting musculoskeletal images. Radiology residents will also find it to be a useful and inexpensive reference for their musculoskeletal imaging rotations and board exam preparations.
By Dr. John A.M. TaylorAuntMinnie.com contributing writer
May 14, 2002
Dr. Taylor is a professor of radiology at the New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY. He is the co-author of Skeletal Imaging: Atlas of the Spine and Extremities.
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