Teaching Atlas of Musculoskeletal Imaging.

TEACHING ATLAS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL IMAGING. Munk PL, Ryan AG. 2008. 780 pgs. Thieme Medical Publishers. www.thieme.com. $149.95.

The recently published Teaching Atlas of Musculoskeletal Imaging by Dr Peter L Munk and Anthony G Ryan is a high quality hardcover book that includes 130 cases sorted by pathological similarities. Totaling 780 pages in length, it is a helpful reference book rather than a textbook. The authors admittedly have not included all common conditions of the mnsculoskeletal systems because to do so would have involved a project requiring more time, authors and volumes.

Each case presented uses essentially the same format: clinical presentation, radiologic findings, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and a discussion that includes the applicability of imaging modalities and possible imaging findings. Conventional radiographic, CT and MR images are included in the text; some ultrasound images and an occasional line drawing and photograph also are included.

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The writing style is straightforward and easy to understand, and the format makes good use of bulleting to highlight key points. Additional references are suggested at the end of each case, with an extensive index at the end of the book.

The book assumes basic radiography training, including a familiarity with sectional imaging, medical terminology and pathology, and the language should be familiar to imaging specialists. However, the book goes beyond technologists' scope of practice.

The intent of this book is to assist radiologists and those training in radiology to make an accurate diagnosis and, at times, rule out a differential diagnosis. The authors specify in the preface that their targeted audiences are "trainees in radiology and those practicing general radiology." As the book's name implies, it is meant to be a teaching tool for physicians.

Denise L Lazo, MA, R.T.(R)(M)

Associate Professor

Community College of Rhode Island

Lincoln, Rhode Island