Orthopedic Nuclear Medicine

It has been several years since the nuclear medicine community was presented with an outstanding text on bone scintigraphy. Over a span of three decades the value of this enormously important clinical modality has remained undiminished, despite the introduction of new techniques for examining bone, especially magnetic re- nance imaging and positron emission tomography (PET). In fact the positron em- ting sodium fluoride-F-18 was employed as a bone imaging agent over 30 years ago and now finds new value as a potent tool in PET diagnosis. Dr. Elgazzar, a renowned nuclear medicine physician, researcher, author and teacher, has produced an important text on bone scintigraphy at a time when new concepts for use of this modality are on the horizon. His presentation is well gro- ded in the basic sciences and in pathophysiology, an approach which brings a - markable coherence to the text. Correlative imaging concepts are also carefully th- aded through these chapters. The production of a quality bone scan, which will not miss relevant clinical fi- ings because of errors in scanning technique, is not a simple matter, and Dr. Elgazzar emphasizes the caution and care with which the production of every bone scan must be approached, as well as the pitfalls in clinical interpretation. Well illustrated, and containing many tables to succinctly summarize the concepts being covered, this text is remarkably accessible despite its depth and breadth.