Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, 3rd Edition

Book Review by Jim Edwards, DC, DABCO, LAc

Title:

Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, 3rd Edition

Authors:

Terry R. Yochum, DC, DACBR; Lindsay J. Rowe, MAppSc (Chiropractic), MD, DACBR

Publisher:

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Type:

Approx. 1,856 pages in two volumes; over 5,000 illustrations. Includes a free special-edition CD-ROM by Primal Pictures, Ltd.

Part #:

T-253

When first released in 1987, this book became an instant classic and immediately established a new "gold standard" to which all future radiology texts would be compared. It quickly became adopted as a required text in virtually every chiropractic college in the world. The release of this third edition further elevates the playing field and now defines an even higher "platinum standard."

As with previous editions, praise for this work is loud and long from noted authors, researchers and physicians representing all branches of the healing arts, as evidenced by the glowing forewords preceding the main text. As with the two previous editions, the authors continue to emphasize a chiropractic perspective, while at the same time covering a broad spectrum of topics, including the latest technology, such as MR angiography and weight-bearing MRI. This newest edition has added over 500 new images to the existing 4,500 illustrations. The "Clinicoradiologic Correlations" section of various chapters is especially practical and features discussion and illustrations of specific pathologies common to each area of the spine. There is a new chapter on soft tissue imaging and expanded information on sports injuries. Another timely feature is the "Medicolegal Considerations" section that points out areas of diagnosis and treatment deserving special attention. Chapter five covers the "Natural History of Spondylolysis and Spondylolithesis," and includes an algorithm of care for both adolescents and adults. A completely new chapter, titled "Masqueraders of Musculoskeletal Disease," highlights disorders of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and lower extremities, and covers topics such as spontaneous and traumatic vertebral artery dissection, subclavian steal syndrome, intracranial infections, and many others.

According to malpractice insurers, the leading reason for being sued for malpractice is missing pathology on X-ray. While reading this text and putting it on your shelf will not make you a radiologist (well, I suppose it would come close, providing you could memorize and recall all of it), it will expand your diagnostic vision and result in better patient care.

It is this reviewer's opinion that all practicing chiropractic physicians should utilize the expertise of our chiropractic radiologist brothers and sisters and have them review our patients' films. These services are widely available and the process is simple to implement. It provides an increased level of protection and immeasurable peace of mind. We should simply consider it a necessary form of "secondary" malpractice insurance.

Seldom do sequels of any sort, be they movies, literature or art, continue to improve as they evolve beyond their original genesis. This book manages to avoid this syndrome exceedingly well by continuing to improve with each new edition. The authors should be justifiably proud of their efforts and congratulated for their obvious dedication to continuing excellence. It reflects well upon the entire chiropractic profession.

Dr. Edwards' Rating:

10 out of 10