BackTable Bone & Sports

BackTable

The go-to podcast for orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine docs, pain specialists, and MSK radiologists. Tune in every week for practical, physician-led conversations on common and complex clinical topics in bone, spine, and musculoskeletal care. Hear how experienced physicians approach real cases, and get practical advice from your peers in your field.

  1. 15h ago

    Ep. 106 Advanced Strategies for Targeted Bone Biopsies with Dr. Peter C. Thurlow

    A bone biopsy can reach the target and still miss the diagnosis. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, host Dr. Neil Jain is joined by Dr. Peter Thurlow to discuss how lesion selection, imaging review, trajectory planning, and device choice determine whether a targeted bone biopsy produces a useful sample without compromising future treatment. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported byVarian OmniBonehttps://cancercare.siemens-healthineers.com/products/interventional-oncology/musculoskeletal/omnibone --- Timestamps00:00 - Introduction04:17 - Approaching Focal Bone Lesions06:17 - Differentiating Lesions and Pain Management13:13 - Settling on Bone Biopsy Imaging16:55 - Understanding Pre-Op Imaging from Lesion Characteristics 21:50 - Maintaining Communication Across Specialties24:21 - Which Devices To Select and Navigating Challenges32:28 - Trajectory Paths and Surgical Considerations35:30 - How to Avoid and Mitigate Biopsy Complications41:30 - Wrap Up --- More about this episodeThe conversation begins with a systematic approach to evaluating focal bone lesions, including the likelihood of malignancy, lesion location, number of lesions, and selection of an appropriately sized sampling device. Dr. Thurlow reviews anesthesia and pain-management strategies for both superficial and deeper osseous targets, as well as the respective roles of MRI and CT in procedural planning. For challenging lesions, he explains why needle-guidance technology may be preferable to adjusting gantry tilt and outlines how imaging findings and biopsy strategy should be tailored to lesion type, with particular attention to the difficulties associated with blastic lesions. The doctors also discuss the importance of communication with pathology, surgery, oncology, and other collaborating specialties before proceeding. Dr. Thurlow shares his preferred biopsy devices, considerations for selecting a safe trajectory, and ways to account for potential future surgical approaches. The episode concludes with practical strategies for avoiding complications, minimizing tissue injury, and obtaining an adequate diagnostic sample. --- BackTable Bone & Sports is the go-to podcast for orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine docs, pain specialists, and MSK radiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.► https://www.backtable.com/app

    Ep. 106 Advanced Strategies for Targeted Bone Biopsies with Dr. Peter C. Thurlow
  2. Jul 14

    Ep. 105 Exploring Whole Body MRI Screening in Athletes with Dr. Andy Glidewell

    Whole-body MRI is moving beyond diagnosis and into prevention, but is the technology ready and are clinicians prepared to interpret and act on what they find? On this episode of BackTable Bone & Sport Podcast, host Dr. Larry Balle welcomes back physical therapist/athletic trainer, Dr. Andy Glidewell to dive into the controversy of whole-body MRI screening for athletes and fitness-focused patients. They discuss how imaging has evolved from simple diagnosis to clinical mapping for rehab and performance planning, drawing on experiences like the NFL Combine’s extensive MRI use, and examine both the clinical opportunities and the practical barriers to broader adoption. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction04:57 - Athletes Hunger for Knowledge13:22 - Preventive Care vs. Reactive Care15:53 - Understanding Limitations and Liability20:00 - Evolution of MRI Technology34:53 - When to Order Whole Body MRI44:24 - “If You Go Looking”: Addressing Incidental Findings56:51 - Identifying Good Candidates for Whole Body MRI?58:56 - Addressing Cost and Marketing Reality01:05:24 - Vision for Preventive Care01:07:18 - Final Thoughts and Wrap Up --- More about this episode The conversation covers the latest in MRI technology, including how AI can improve image quality and reduce scan time, as well as typical whole-body protocols and their limitations. Dr. Glidewell shares personal stories about incidental findings and offers insight into issues like cost, radiologist expertise, and the importance of a single communicator for care. Together, they explore who might benefit most from whole-body MRI, how it could influence preventive care and long-term healthcare costs, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. --- Resources Dr. Andy Glidewell https://www.trainrecovermove.com/andyglidewellpt https://uamshealth.com/provider/michael-a-glidewell/ --- BackTable Bone & Sports is the go-to podcast for orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine docs, pain specialists, and MSK radiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

  3. Jul 7

    Ep. 104 Understanding Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Osteoarthritis with Dr. Peter Minko

    Genicular artery embolization (GAE) continues to gain traction worldwide, but is the evidence catching up to the hype? In this episode of BackTable Bone and Sports Podcast, host Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy welcomes Dr. Peter Minko, an interventional radiologist from Düsseldorf, Germany, to discuss GAE’s evolving evidence, techniques, and international practice patterns. Dr. Minko highlights forthcoming clinical trials and emphasizes the need for high-quality research to guide patient care. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction03:13 - The Embolization Landscape in Germany07:25 - The Basics of GAE Patient Workup 13:49 - The Unideal Patient Candidate for GAE16:55 - Measuring Outcomes Beyond Clinical Scores23:14 - Procedure Specifics: Minko’s Choice36:28 - Discussing the Future of Temporary vs. Permanent Embolics43:47 - Collateral Flow Strategy and Procedure Wrap-Up49:05 - Post-Procedure Rehab Guidelines52:00 - Repeat GAE Treatment Algorithm 58:00 - Safety and Outcomes in Post-TKA Patients01:04:11 - GAE and Associations with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)01:09:40 - Call for Better Trials and Evidence in GAE01:14:11 - Case Presentation: GAE Transpedal Access Case01:21:05 - Case Presentation: “Three Stop Shop” Anastomosis 01:27:08 - Case Presentation: AV Fistula… Due to Arthroscopy?01:32:03 - Case Presentation: Popliteal Agenesis 01:38:14 - Dr. Minko’s Perspective on the Future of MSK Embolization01:40:55 - Wrap Up --- More about this episode The doctors break down procedural specifics, including embolic materials, access site and catheter choices, and strategies for patient selection and contraindications. They discuss post-procedure rehabilitation, approaches to repeat GAE, and unique considerations for patients with prior total knee arthroplasty. The discussion also features interesting case presentations, explores the future of temporary versus permanent embolics, and examines the importance of robust study design in advancing MSK embolization. Dr. Minko shares his perspective on the direction of the field and the collaborative effort needed to move GAE evidence and practice forward. --- Resources Dr. Peter Minkohttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-Minko --- BackTable Bone & Sports is the go-to podcast for orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine docs, pain specialists, and MSK radiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

  4. Jun 30

    Ep. 103 Sports Medicine & Lifestyle Medicine Intersections with Dr. Megan Ferderber

    Lifestyle medicine isn’t new; it’s medicine’s original prescription, and it might be the most effective way to start treating your patients’ musculoskeletal health. In this episode of BackTable Bone and Sports, Dr. Larry Balle welcomes Dr. Megan Ferderber to discuss how foundational habits like nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoiding risky substances can transform joint and tendon outcomes. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction07:02 - How Lifestyle Medicine is Incorporated into Practice18:55 - Dr. Ferderber’s Definition of Lifestyle Medicine23:15 - The Link Between Metabolics and Joint Health 29:15 - Physical Activity Prescription35:06 - Risky Substances and Link to Cancer39:50 - Sleep as a Pillar of Health44:28 - Importance of Social Connectedness and Stress Management49:43 - Discussing the Lifestyle Medicine Board Certification53:06 - Life Hacks: Nutrition and Micro Habits55:53 - Final Takeaways --- More about this episode Dr. Ferderber shares how she incorporates the six pillars of lifestyle medicine into consults for musculoskeletal procedures such as PRP, prolotherapy, and TenJet. She highlights the evidence linking metabolic dysfunction and inflammation to osteoarthritis and tendon disease, and offers practical guidance for setting exercise targets, managing substance use, supporting sleep, and addressing stress. The episode also explores the value of board certification in lifestyle medicine, and how adopting these principles can bring credibility and long-term impact to sports medicine practice. --- Resources Dr. Megan Ferderberhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-ferderber/ --- BackTable Bone & Sports is the go-to podcast for orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine docs, pain specialists, and MSK radiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

  5. Jun 23

    Ep. 102 Understanding PRP and Orthobiologics for Musculoskeletal Medicine with Dr. Jason Epstein

    Are you truly understanding PRP and orthobiologics, or just following the latest trends in musculoskeletal medicine? In this episode of BackTable Bone and Sports, host Dr. Larry Balle and guest Dr. Jason Epstein explore the realities of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and orthobiologics in non-operative musculoskeletal medicine. They highlight why successful outcomes start with honest patient counseling, clear definitions of the procedure, and addressing common misconceptions such as PRP being “stem cells.” --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps00:00 - Introduction09:02 - Exploring the Patient Definition of PRP14:31 - Addressing Inconsistenties in the Literature for PRP20:01 - Avoiding Stem Cell Terminology26:24 - Encouraging Shared Decision Making 41:46 - Patient Selection, Dosing, and Post-Treatment Expectations54:34 - Talking Cost of Treatment58:07 - Choosing the Right Tool and Blood Draw Technique 01:01:31 - Personal Experience with PRP 01:05:35 - Discussing FDA Regulations and Marketing Myths01:13:18 - Closing Remarks --- More about this episodeThe discussion covers the lack of standardization in PRP studies, reasons for variable patient responses, and how to guide patients through shared decision-making and realistic expectations. Drs. Balle and Epstein emphasize building trust, avoiding marketing hype, and discussing FDA regulations, legality, and off-label use. Practical advice includes tracking outcomes and cell counts, clarifying costs, and choosing the right kits and techniques to integrate PRP responsibly into practice. --- ResourcesDr. Jason Epsteinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-epstein-27804a1a/ --- BackTable Bone & Sports is the go-to podcast for orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine docs, pain specialists, and MSK radiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.► https://www.backtable.com/app

    Ep. 102 Understanding PRP and Orthobiologics for Musculoskeletal Medicine with Dr. Jason Epstein
  6. May 19

    Ep. 101 Lateral Knee Extra-Articular Tenodesis (LET) with Dr. Kyle Borque

    It’s comeback season! What’s bringing lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) back to the landscape of ACL surgery? In this episode of BackTable Bone & Sports, Dr. Larry Balle joins sports orthopedic surgeon and knee specialist Dr. Kyle Borque to discuss the resurgence of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) as an adjunct to ACL repair and reconstruction. They explore LET’s origins as a solution for rotation instability in the era of open ACL surgery, and examine how modern arthroscopic techniques, patient selection, and surgical evidence have driven LET’s renewed relevance in today's practice. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 02:36 - LET Origin Story14:16 - Modern LET Technique Updates23:13 - A Run-Down of the Procedure in the OR26:54 - Patient Selection for LET34:18 - Supporting LET with Published Evidence38:43 - Rehab After LET44:33 - Dismissing OA Concerns50:10 - Case Example: ACL Revision53:02 - Wrap Up --- More about this episode The Drs. highlight the anatomy considerations, technical modifications, and the evidence that supports LET’s role in reducing graft failure, without changing rehab or increasing lateral OA risk. They compare LET with anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction, emphasizing anatomy and technical approach. Dr. Borque details his modified technique using an iliotibial (IT) band strip fixed proximal and posterior to the lateral epicondyle of the femur. Furthermore, the doctors discuss selection factors for high-risk and revision patients, tactics to avoid overconstraint, and tips for patient counseling. They review the latest evidence, outline perioperative protocols, and address persistent myths about LET’s impact on recovery and osteoarthritis. The doctors highlight a real-world case example and the actionable insights for orthopedic surgeons to optimize ACL outcomes. --- Resources Dr. Larry Ballehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-balle-ii/ Dr. Kyle Borquehttps://www.drborque.com/ Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Reduces Failure of Hamstring Tendon Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: 2-Year Outcomes From the STABILITY Study Randomized Clinical Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31940222/ --- BackTable Bone & Sports is the go-to podcast for orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine docs, pain specialists, and MSK radiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

  7. May 12

    Ep. 100 Return to Play Post Injury: Balancing Risk & Recovery with Dr. Andy Glidewell

    “The athlete’s job is to stay consistent with rehab and to be hungry to get back on the field. I think our job as a sports medicine team is to make sure that they’re safe and that they can perform.” In this episode of BackTable MSK, guest host and sports medicine physician Dr. Larry Balle joins physical therapist/athletic trainer Andy Glidewell to discuss how “return to play” is defined and why it is often misunderstood among athletes, coaches, physicians, and rehab teams. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 04:25 - Return to Play from the Lens of Physical Therapy vs. Sports Medicine12:11 - Evidence-based vs. Anecdotal-based Practice for Return to Play21:18 - Is there an Appropriate Team Approach? 24:25 - Continuing Conservative Management vs. Surgical Intervention34:01 - Notes on a High-Profile Sports Medicine Case40:20 - The Influence of NIL on College Athletics42:51 - Obtaining Objective Metrics for Clearance52:38 - Influence of AI on Return to Play Algorithms 57:11 - Final Takeaways --- More about this episode They emphasize that return to play is a milestone-based rehabilitation phase requiring clear communication, collaboration, and risk management, rather than rigid timelines or just “vibes.” The conversation covers how evidence and objectivity have shaped protocols (notably ACL timelines), the role of prognostic indicators in operative vs. non-operative decisions, and practical use of functional strength and agility reassessment. They also address pressures of working with elite sport and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) considerations. Furthermore, they expand on how AI may inform, but not replace, the humanistic and team-based components of decision making. --- Resources Dr. Larry Ballehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-balle-ii/ Dr. Andy Glidewellhttps://uamshealth.com/provider/michael-a-glidewell/ The Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapyhttps://www.jospt.org/ --- BackTable Musculoskeletal (MSK) is the go-to podcast for musculoskeletal radiologists, interventional pain specialists, and orthopedic surgeons. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

  8. May 5

    Ep. 99 MSK Hip Embolization: Case Discussions & Insights with Dr. Mateus Correa and Dr. Joaquim Filho

    Beyond the basics: anatomy, technique, and clinical pearls for the evolving world of hip embolization. In this episode of BackTable MSK, we dive into the fine details of hip embolization. In Part II of this two-part series, Brazilian interventionalists, Dr. Mateus Correa and Dr. Joaquim Filho, return with host Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy, to explore the nuances of hip embolization and reviewing real-world case studies. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 01:17 - Explanation of Hip Physical Exam Maneuvers 04:30 - Overview of Hip Embolization Technique with Anatomy10:10 - Case 1: Awake Superselective Angiography and Procedure Technique for GTPS Patient12:43 - Case 2: Patient Presents with Hip Pain, Increased Since L3 Compression Fracture18:15 - Mixing Imipenem20:40 - Overview of Hip Embolization Scientific Data32:52 - Closure Techniques and Final Thoughts --- More about this episode Together, they apply the foundational skills of physical exam and procedure technique, including detailed anatomy, procedural technique, and hip physical exam maneuvers.The discussion also covers the latest research on the use of temporary embolization agents. Looking for a way to mix your Imipenem? Tune in for a “how to” and other intricate insights. --- Resources Dr. Mateus Correahttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mateus-Correa-4 Dr. Joaquim Filhohttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joaquim-Da-Motta-Leal-Filho --- BackTable Musculoskeletal (MSK) is the go-to podcast for musculoskeletal radiologists, interventional pain specialists, and orthopedic surgeons.Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

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The go-to podcast for orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine docs, pain specialists, and MSK radiologists. Tune in every week for practical, physician-led conversations on common and complex clinical topics in bone, spine, and musculoskeletal care. Hear how experienced physicians approach real cases, and get practical advice from your peers in your field.

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