Book excerpt: This concise, yet detailed collection of images offers complete guidance on CT, MR, and nuclear medicine imaging for all aspects of common and uncommon spinal diseases. In addition to annotated illustrations, the text provides background information on each disease entity, a detailed approach to the interpretation of images, and specific recommendations for reporting. Discusses and illustrates trauma, neoplasms, infections, and congenital and developmental anomalies. Provides detailed discussions of spondylolysis. Examines degenerative diseases in detail. Explains and illustrates current terminology for degenerative diseases according to the guidelines of the North American Spine Society and the American Society of Neuroradiology. Evaluates post-operative complications and associated imaging findings. Features algorithms and tables to illustrate key concepts. Emphasizes algorithmic work-ups of tumors and suspected infections to promote correct categorization of findings. Uses a logical organization for easy access to information, with tumors arranged in the traditional neuroradiology/neurosurgery differential categories.