This book, as stated by the authors, is designed to provide a state-of-the-art overview of MR imaging anatomy and pathology of the wrist and hand. It is organized into 12 chapters. Chapters 4 through 8 and 10 are dedicated to specific pathological entities, while Chapters 1-3 cover the introduction, the obligatory minicourse in basic MR physics, and normal wrist and hand anatomy. The normal anatomy of the finger is reviewed in Chapter 9. Chapters I 1 and 12 give an orthopedic surgeon's and radiologist's perspective, respectively.
The chapter on wrist anatomy, biomechanics, and normal MRI is comprehensive and informative. Schematic diagrams accompanying the text are very helpful to the reader. The rather long description of the pathways of the tendons, however, could have been aided by more schematics. Several minor image labeling errors are found in this chapter and sparingly in subsequent chapters.
All pathologic entities discussed are relevant and most are thoroughly presented. Topics covered especially well include carpal tunnel disease and the distal radioulnar joint. The chapter on finger pathology is limited as one might expect.
Overall, the image quality is good, though some of the pathology is difficult to believe from the images presented. However, this does not detract from this book as the authors stated in the preface the "information in this text should be challenged, tested and hopefully further validated." The text is well written and logically arranged. Current and extensive bibliographies are present at the end of each chapter and are referenced within the text.
Because of the complexity of the anatomy, biomechanics, and pathology in the wrist and hand, a dedicated text is necessary. The authors offer us valuable information from their extensive experience, and though their results may be difficult to duplicate, this text serves as an excellent foundation for anyone who is involved in the imaging of wrist and hand disorders.