We dedicate this text to Drs. Ernest E. Aegerter, a pathologist, and John A. Kirkpatrick Jr., a radiologist. They were among the principal founders of the ?eld of skeletal pathology and radiology. During their time, their residents and colleagues knew them as great educators with a dedication and a passion for their work. Their textbook, Orthopedic Diseases, published initially in 1958 was among the ?rst interdisciplinary works devoted to this ?eld. Dr. Aegerter and Dr. Kirkpatrick illuminated many aspects of the ?eld of radiology. Today, with the advent of new technologies, this ?eld has grown to include not only diseases that affect the skeleton but also those that affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, and also the cartilaginous structures within joints. With this text we intend to carry on Dr. Aegerter and Dr. Kirkpatrick's tradition. We have recruited only well-known musculoskeletal radiologists and pathologists to participate in the writing of this book. Each author has been carefully selected for his expertise on the topic about which he's been asked to contribute. Each author is known as an experienced and seasoned teacher. Each author has made a mark on the ?eld.

Bone Pathology is the second edition of the book, A Compendium of Skeletal Pathology that published 10 years ago. Similar to the prior edition, this book complements standard pathology texts and blends new but relatively established information on the molecular biology of the bone. Serving as a bench-side companion to the surgical pathologist, this new edition reflects new advances in our understanding of the molecular biology of bone. New chapters on soft-tissue sarcomas and soft-tissue tumors have been added as well as several additional chapters such as Soft-tissue pathology and Biomechanics. The volume is written by experts who are established in the field of musculoskeletal diseases. Bone Pathology is a combined effort from authors of different specialties including surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and basic scientists all of whom have in common an interest in bone diseases. It will be of great value to surgical pathology residents as well as practicing pathologists, skeletal radiologists, orthopedic surgeons and medical students.