Imaging of Bone Tumors in Wrist, Hand, Ankle and Foot

The layout of the book follows a similar pattern for all the cases presented, creating good continuity. The format is easy to follow and shows good relevant discussion between patient presentation and image interpretation, highlighting areas of interest and radiographic signs to be aware of. Fifty cases are presented, split evenly between upper and lower extremities.

The images are fairly clear and of relatively good quality on screen and are a mix of plain film, CT and MRI. Hovering over the images on the PDF also gives more information about the images for further understanding; however, as a (pedantic) radiographer it was disappointing to find the labels distinguishing between plain film and CT images were not always correct.

The discussion about the cases is provided by the residents and then countered by the professor; this gives good insight into image evaluation, and differential diagnoses that could be put forward, and also suggestions of further imaging and tests that may be beneficial in developing a more precise diagnosis. The discussion is able to reason why certain pathologies could be excluded, as well as offering differentials.

There are a few cases that are discussed and potential diagnosis put forward from the image presentation but are different to the conclusive diagnosis. This is potentially my lack of knowledge or understanding, but I would have preferred it to have been explained as to how and why the final outcome had been reached. Was this due to the further tests being completed?

The suggested further reading material after each case is informative, offering articles with in-depth information.

The book contains some familiar pathologies, presented in unfamiliar ways that could broaden the differentials when reporting. There are also presentations of unusual tumours, especially in the paediatric population, and again the further reading is helpful to fully understand the diseases.

Overall, a well designed and well ordered book, giving good patient history, discussion of findings and signs on imaging, as well as relevant imaging appearances for a range of familiar, common, rare and obscure pathologies of extremities in paediatric and adult populations presenting in unfamiliar areas. 

This book is a useful reference for unusual findings while reporting.