Medical imaging of the spine is among the most frequently performed diagnostic studiesdue to the high incidence of the very common clinical problem of acute or chronicback pain.Radiologists have a whole range of diagnostic modalities at their disposal to studyspine pathology. It is of the utmost importance that they be familiar with the advantagesand disadvantages of these different diagnostic techniques and are able to apply, in eachclinical situation, the method that is most likely to optimally solve the clinical problemand indicate its correct management.Many authors, all well known specialists in their fi eld, have contributed to this bookwhich offers a very complete update of our current insights into and knowledge ofcommon and less common disorders of the spine and the spinal cord.The illustrations are numerous, highly informative and of impeccable technicalquality.I am very much indebted to the editors, J.W.M. Van Goethem, L. van den Hauwe andP.M. Parizel, for this superb volume which very much enriches the Medical Radiologyseries. It will be of great interest to radiologists in training, certifi ed radiologists, as wellas to neurosurgeons, neurologists and rheumatologists.