two highly experienced MRI radiologists with backgrounds in both clinical work and research. Ulrich Weber and Peter Hertel are two leading orthopedic surgeons and traumatologists in the fields of joint surgery/microsurgery and sports injuries. It is the vast radiologic experience in the interpretation of c- plex image information ¿ an experience that takes into account the clinical requirements from the perspective of orthopedic surgeons and traumatologists ¿ as well as the authors¿didactic approach that make for the singular character of this book. Berlin, November 2001 Bernd Hamm, MD Professor and Chairman Department of Radiology Charité Medical School Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Preface MRI of diseases and injuries of the head, neck, and spinal column has become firmly established as a diagnostic tool since examiners could easily apply their previous experience gained in CT to MRI in these areas.