Book excerpt: This richly illustrated case-based atlas thoroughly depicts the role of MR imaging in the assessment of patients presenting with pain due to degenerative disease of the spine and will serve as an excellent guide to differential diagnosis. Importantly, generic radicular compression is the main reason for the painful symptomatology in only a limited number of cases, and this book illustrates and emphasizes how various anatomic elements of the spine can be responsible. The imaging features of a range of disorders involving both the anterior and posterior elements of the spine are described, including active inflammatory osteochondrosis, atypical herniated discs, facet joint disorders, spondylolysis, and degenerative-inflammatory changes of the spinal ligaments and posterior perispinal muscles. Each example is supported by clinical data, and a series of unusual cases are also presented. MR study protocols include T2-weighted sequences with fat saturation and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences with fat saturation to allow better visualization or highlighting of various inflammatory changes in the spine. Radiologists, neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedists, and rehabilitation physicians will all find this atlas a valuable asset in their practice.