Dr. Swischuk has recently published a new edition of his classic “Imaging of the Cervical Spine in Children”. Every paediatric radiologist, every general radiologist and every resident on call knows how difficult it can be to evaluate radiographs of the cervical spine in children. With his book, Len Swischuk has greatly facilitated our daily work.

FormalPara Contents

The second edition comprises six chapters: “Developmental Anatomy”, “Normal Variants” (probably the most important chapter), “Anomalies”, “Anomalies and Normal Variants of the Dens”, “Trauma” (another essential chapter) and “Miscellaneous Cervical Spine Problems”.

FormalPara Strengths

First and above all, the great experience of the author is evident throughout the book. Furthermore, in many chapters, the author mixes schematic drawings and radiographs, which is very helpful to fully understand the underlying physiology and mechanisms leading to the images. Each image included is clearly explained and commented. The text is clear and easy to read. The complementary use of CT and MRI has been expanded and illustrated adequately. Like the previous edition, this book will be most helpful to paediatric and general radiologists, and to any physician on call.

FormalPara Weaknesses

Two suggestions for a future edition: (1) the chapter on miscellaneous cervical spine disorders deserves to be expanded and discussed more in-depth, and (2) more recent references on CT and MRI should be included. People interested in newer techniques and applications for imaging the C-spine may have to complement this reading with more detailed CT and MRI descriptions.

FormalPara Recommendation

This book is recommended for residents and radiologists having to interpret C-spine radiographs in emergency departments.

FormalPara Overall grade

Very good.