Spine and Joint Instability: Orthopedic and Radiologic Approaches

Christine B. Chung, M.D.

As I contemplated the structure of this issue of Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology, I had several goals in mind. I wanted the subject matter to hold relevance in the setting of daily clinical applications. I wanted the reader to acquire an understanding of optimal imaging techniques, pertinent imaging anatomy, and imaging criteria for accurate diagnosis and characterization of pathology. Perhaps most important, I wanted the reader to broaden the depth of his or her understanding of the pathologic processes presented.

In identifying a subject matter with clinical relevance, I needed look no farther than the referring histories on my clinical work list for the day. The radiologist is called on routinely to evaluate for spine and joint instability-a challenging task that demands a detailed knowledge of anatomy, an understanding of joint specific pathology associated with instability, and some degree of familiarity with the clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria for identification of the unstable joint.

It is with extreme pleasure that I can present to the reader a series of articles on the imaging aspects of spine and joint instability that have been prepared by the experts in the field of musculoskeletal radiology. The unique facet of this work is the contribution of manuscripts from orthopedic surgeons, all recognized for their surgical and academic expertise. It is this very contribution that I hope will serve to broaden the radiologist's understanding of the pathologic process of instability in the musculoskeletal system. With an understanding of what is pertinent to our referring physicians, the radiologist can address these questions in a critical and concise fashion. The exploration and discovery of the clinical side of the pathologic process, when coupled with the imaging aspects, will not only serve to broaden our knowledge base as radiologists but also heighten the level of care for our patient population.

I extend my sincere thanks to this distinguished group of authors for the time and energy they devoted to this work.