Book Review

Case Studies in Chiropractic Radiology

By -- Sharon A. Jaeger, D.C., D.A.C.B.R.; and Deborah M. Pate, D.C., D.A.C.B.R.

Pages 238 Images -- approximately 350

References and Supplemental Reading -- approximately 800

It was with eager anticipation that I awaited the release of Case Studies in Chiropractic Radiology, by Drs. S. Jaeger and D. Pate. I am pleased to tell you that I was not disappointed after reading the entire text.

There are 42 excellent case studies offered in this text, with a major emphasis on the spine and pelvis. An adequate number of pertinent case studies relative to the upper and lower extremities are also presented. An impressive list of 11 contributors has been compiled, 10 of which are chiropractors (6 diplomates of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology (DACBR) and one doctor of podiatric medicine.

A standard format has been followed throughout the text which provides consistency for case presentation and for the reader. Presented in the following sequence are case histories with pertinent clinical findings, physical examination findings, radiological findings to include roentgen signs and various pertinent percentages of abnormalities with each condition, clinical discussion of the case material and, most importantly, treatment. One of the strengths of this text is the chiropractic treatment and case management section which is so lacking in many text books that have been provided for this profession. This case study type of format makes it very easy to read and absorb the offered material. It leaves the reader with the feeling of accomplishing something after reading only just a few case studies, rather than the sometimes overwhelming feeling the reader may experience in reading some of the larger textbooks on skeletal radiology.

The image reproductions in this textbook are very good and on very high quality paper. Images include plain films, nuclear bone scans, thermography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. This superb blend of a multidiagnostic approach to various case studies helps augment the doctor's understanding of the utilization of special imaging as it applies to skeletal radiology. There are a number of excellent line drawings scattered throughout the text which enhance the reader's ability to assess the various roentgen signs.

A minor criticism is the format used for the numbering of photos. Occasionally, they are not in the appropriate chronological order and are somewhat difficult to follow.

I believe that Case Studies in Skeletal Radiology will provide a very nice reference source for field doctors to refresh and upgrade their knowledge in relation to skeletal radiology. The case material chosen throughout the text is very pertinent to practice, and the emphasis on treatment makes this textbook an excellent reference source for the practicing doctor of chiropractic. In addition this textbook is an excellent reference source for students reviewing skeletal radiology as they approach national and state board examinations.

I would highly recommend this textbook to our profession and compliment Drs. Jaeger and Pate for their excellent contribution to the literature of skeletal radiology in general, and especially to the chiropractic scientific literature.