Musculoskeletal studies account for an important proportion of the daily clinical practice of most radiologists. For many years following Rontgen's discovery of x-rays in 1895, these studies were confined to plain films and conventional tomography, which substantially limited the contribution of radiology in achieving better diagnosis and treatment of ortho pedic pathologic conditions. The advent of digital radiography, ultrasound, computer tomography and especially magnetic resonance imaging has greatly enhanced the potential of radiologic imaging in this field. Among the benefits to accrue from these techniques are the detailed visualization of soft tissue anatomy and pathologic changes, progress in the noninvasive study of joint pathology, and improved staging of primary bone tumors. The need for an update of our knowledge in orthopedic imaging is therefore immense. The editors, Dr. A. M. Davies and Prof. H. Pettersson, have been able to acquire the collabo ration of a number of international leaders in bone and soft tissue imaging for the produc tion of this book, which took an exceptionally brief period from the date of conception to printing. Accordingly, readers will find in this work the latest developments in techniques and radiologic interpretation. The up-to-date nature of the information provided, and the expertise which it embodies, will undoubtedly be of great help in daily clinical practice, not only to general radiologists and orthopedic surgeons but also to musculoskeletal radiolo gists working in subspecialties. I am very grateful to the editors and to the authors for their excellent contributions.
