"Requisite" is defined by Webster's Ninth New College
Dictionary as "essential" or "necessary."
Musculoskeletal Imaging, as part of the Requisites series,
certainly reflects its title and sometimes more. Drs. Manaster and Disler are
well known in the field of musculoskeletal radiology. Dr. May is making a name
for himself. All of the authors are highly respected in their specialty.
The text is comprehensive in its coverage of common and sometimes
not-so-common conditions such as arthritis, trauma, tumor, and other disorders
or disease states involving the musculoskeletal system. The text is meant to
be used as an aid in the preparation for the radiology oral boards and as a
reference for the general practitioner. The chapters are well written, easily
comprehended, and concise.
This book will be of value to anyone who treats or diagnoses patients who
have musculoskeletal problems. Many illustrations demonstrate the typical
appearance of the disorder or disease on radiographs, computed tomography
scans, or magnetic resonance images. Additionally, drawings are used to
plainly illustrate concepts such as fractures of the pelvis.
Key concepts in boxes are interspersed throughout the chapters, providing
important points related to a specific condition or to a classification of
disorders or diseases. The key concepts provide information on differential
diagnoses, etiologies, workup, pitfalls, and so on. The amount of information
provided in the boxes varies widely among the chapters. Several chapters
provide bullet points that clarify and simplify approaches to radiographic
diagnosis. Each major subject area begins with an excellent discussion of
general information regarding anatomy, physiology, or biomechanical principles
that provides a basis for understanding the diseases or disorders
discussed.
While this is an excellent reference text for daily clinical use, minimal
references are cited. The only other potential weakness is related to the
discussion of osteoporosis, which contains some outdated concepts. A new color
scheme for the text cover would make it more appealing on one's shelf. The
text is of typical size.
Musculoskeletal Imaging: The Requisites belongs on the shelf of
every diagnostic or clinical practitioner who deals with musculoskeletal
pathology and its imaging. This text has enough information to answer common
clinical questions and provides enough images to help in the identification of
most pathologies. The authors have done an excellent job of presenting a large
volume of information in a concise, understandable, and useful manner.