Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2015; 19(02): 077-078
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1546462
Preface
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Advanced Imaging of Peripheral Nerves

Avneesh Chhabra
1   Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 March 2015 (online)

MR imaging of the peripheral nerves, called MR neurography, is the most rapidly developing musculoskeletal imaging technique in major tertiary care centers. Technological advances have led to important changes with rapid diffusion of the technique in both university and community settings. Three-dimensional techniques for multiplanar peripheral nerve depiction are becoming the new standard in current practice, helping to resolve the complex anatomy of the plexuses and leading to superior depiction of nerve pathology. In addition, the reproducibility of current techniques has led to greater consistency in depicting nerves. However, interpretation skills vary widely, due to a limited knowledge of nerve pathophysiology among some readers, the wide assortment of nerve pathologies, and a lack of reading experience in general.

I am thankful to all the authors who have contributed expert perspectives (medical, surgical, and radiologic) on peripheral nerve pathophysiology and state-of-the-art imaging. Readers will learn technical considerations of peripheral nerve imaging, gain knowledge of certain imaging pitfalls, and discover pearls of electrodiagnostic studies and various management strategies to diagnose focal and diffuse peripheral nerve lesions. After reading dedicated articles on plexus imaging and extremity imaging, readers will be able to give an intelligent differential diagnosis and imaging workup for ∼90% of what they see in daily nerve imaging practice.

I would like to thank my family for their encouragement and time. My special thanks go to our expert department editor, Jon Garinn, who spent considerable time editing the articles. Finally, I would like to thank Dr. Larry White for the opportunity to serve as guest editor, as well as the whole team at Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology, especially Joycelyn Reid, for all the great work they have done to produce an excellent issue on advanced peripheral nerve imaging in a timely manner.