Current Developments and Recent Advances in Musculoskeletal Tumor Imaging

The past few decades have witnessed remarkable advancements in diagnostic imaging techniques, which in turn have resulted in tremendous improvements in musculoskeletal tumor imaging. Imaging can accurately delineate the morphology of lesions including size, location, and extent. It can also now provide vital information related to the underlying biology of lesions, often able to depict the underlying physical composition of tumors. As a result, diagnostic imaging can effectively limit the differential diagnosis for skeletal lesions, and it often can accurately arrive at the exact diagnosis. As guest editor of this issue, I wanted to present a group of articles that would not only broaden the depth of understanding of the biology and physiologic processes revealed by musculoskeletal tumor imaging but also update recent advances in the field. This issue provides a comprehensive review of several relevant topics often encountered in musculoskeletal tumor imaging.

This issue highlights the evolution of diagnostic imaging over the last decade and updates a variety of oncologic topics. Diagnostic imaging has evolved significantly over the years, and today it plays an important role in the diagnosis, staging, and surveillance of skeletal neoplasms. This issue covers the utility of imaging for a wide variety of skeletal lesions. The authors come from a variety of backgrounds and institutions across the United States, but they all offer a wealth of experience and expertise in the work-up of musculoskeletal tumors.

Dr. Mark Murphey served as guest editor for an issue of Seminars devoted to bone tumors in 2000. I am honored to have Dr. Murphey and his colleagues contribute an update on the imaging of chondrosarcoma in this current issue. Drs. Bernard and Flemming also contributed greatly to this issue with a comprehensive review of primary tumors affecting the spine. MR imaging has revolutionized the imaging evaluation of tumors over the past decade, and Drs. Kransdorf and Bridges reveal many of the evolving techniques for musculoskeletal tumor imaging. As Dr. Murphey alluded to in 2000, the work-up of musculoskeletal neoplasms requires a team approach including the orthopedic oncologist, the musculoskeletal radiologist, and the orthopedic pathologist. All three must work in concert to optimize treatment and ultimately patient outcomes. I am pleased to include an article from Drs. Sherman and O'Connor providing the perspective of the orthopedic oncologist on the benefits of diagnostic imaging in their practice.

I hope radiologists, surgeons, and pathologists alike will find this issue of Seminars both practical and informative. I believe it will provide a critical reference for daily clinical practice and offer new ideas on the art of imaging skeletal neoplasms. I would like to sincerely thank all the authors for their outstanding contributions to this issue.