BackTable Bone & Sports

BackTable Inc.
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 8h ago

    Ep. 114 Exploring Osteochondral Allografts for Knee Injuries with Dr. Sachin Allahabadi

    When does a knee cartilage defect need more than a clean-up, and how do you decide on the best repair? On this episode of BackTable Bone & Sports, Dr. Larry Balle welcomes orthopedic sports surgeon Dr. Sachin Allahabadi for a practical tour of cartilage restoration. Together they explain what articular cartilage is, why it rarely heals on its own, and how to distinguish focal chondral defects from diffuse arthritis. The discussion covers the full spectrum of treatment, from chondroplasty and microfracture to cell-based restoration, osteochondral autograft, and allograft transplantation. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction04:39 - Cartilage Structure and Focal Defects13:37 - Cartilage Healing Biology16:51 - Evolution of Cartilage Repair Techniques24:04 - Candidate Selection and Defect Characteristics29:06 - Bone Marrow Edema and Offloading33:46 - Osteochondral Autograft and Donor Sites39:18 - Alignment, Meniscus, and Ligament Correction45:31 - Cell Based Repair Indications and Procedure Durability51:11 - Defect Sizing and Allograft Matching59:29 - Rehabilitation and Orthobiologic Graft Integration01:09:59 - Takeaways and Misconceptions01:14:21 - Closing Remarks --- More about this episode Dr. Allahabadi discusses how to select the right patients for different cartilage procedures, including how defect size, alignment, meniscus status, and ligament stability all factor into the decision. They review advances in cartilage repair techniques, the process of storing and matching fresh donor tissue, and the use of bone marrow aspirate concentrate to promote graft integration. The conversation also addresses the durability of allografts in real-world practice, setting realistic expectations with patients, the importance of referral to high-volume surgeons, and why thoughtful clinical decision-making is often more challenging than the procedure itself. --- Resources Allahabadi S, Quigley R, Frazier L, Joyce K, Cole BJ. Outcomes and Return to Sport After Knee Osteochondral Allograft Transplant in Professional Athletes. Orthop J Sports Med. 2024.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38410170/ Elias TJ, Allahabadi S, Haneberg EC, et al. Osteochondral Allograft Reaming Significantly Affects Chondrocyte Viability. Am J Sports Med. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39186448/ Allahabadi S, Haneberg EC, Elias TJ, McMorrow KJ, et al. Osteochondral Allografts: Pearls to Maximize Biologic Healing and Clinical Success. Arthrosc Tech. 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38196872/ --- 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

  2. Sep 8

    Ep. 113 Overuse Injuries: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management with Dr. Grant Ralston

    Why do overuse injuries keep coming back even after the pain settles down? On this episode of BackTable Bone & Sports, Dr. Larry Balle welcomes Dr. Grant Ralston to define overuse injury as a load-related disorder, and to work through its causes, diagnosis, and management in both pediatric and adult athletes. They review common conditions like bone stress injuries, chronic tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and apophysitis, and discuss why year-round play, early sport specialization, social media, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) pressures are making these cases more frequent in clinic. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction06:22 - Defining Overuse Injuries08:31 - Why Overuse Injuries Are Increasing15:33 - Corticosteroid Injections in Chronic Tendinopathy22:05 - Relative Rest and Cross-Training26:28 - Lower Extremity Overuse Injuries34:40 - Gluteal Tendinopathy and Greater Trochanteric Pain39:17 - Hydrodissection and Prolotherapy51:37 - Upper Extremity Overuse Injuries56:05 - Early Sport Specialization and Time Off01:00:39 - Training Load, Sleep, and Nutrition01:08:20 - Imaging, Physical Therapy, and Treatment Options01:15:40 - Final Takeaways and Wrap Up --- More about this episode The conversation moves through the lower and upper extremities, addressing Achilles tendinopathy, medial tibial stress syndrome, gluteal tendinopathy, patellofemoral pain, and rotator cuff tendinopathy, all with a focus on underlying biomechanical deficits. Drs. Ralston and Balle dissect the pros and cons of repeated corticosteroid injections, explore alternatives like ketorolac, prolotherapy, PRP, hydrodissection, and shockwave, and clarify when imaging should and shouldn’t drive decisions. They close with tips on relative rest, scheduling breaks from sport, optimizing sleep and nutrition, and building strong referral networks to support patient recovery. --- Resources Fredericson M, et al. Tibial Stress Reaction in Runners: Correlation of Clinical Symptoms and Scintigraphy with a New Magnetic Resonance Imaging Grading System. Am J Sports Med. 1995 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/036354659502300418 Taheri P, et al. Comparison of Subacromial Ketorolac Injection versus Corticosteroid Injection in the Treatment of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. J Res Pharm Pract. 2017 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29417082/ --- 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. Sep 1

    Ep. 112 Challenges in Biopsy Techniques for Bone Lesions with Dr. Junjian Huang and Dr. Majid Khan

    What characteristics make bone biopsies unique in both presentation and procedure? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Drs. Junjian Huang and Majid Khan join host Dr. Neil Jain to break down the complexities of bone biopsy technique. They discuss key strategies for tackling difficult cases, from understanding referral patterns and pre-procedure planning to selecting the best guidance modality and anticipating complications. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by Varian OmniBonehttps://cancercare.siemens-healthineers.com/products/interventional-oncology/musculoskeletal/omnibone --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction08:06 - Referrals And Pre-Procedure Planning12:35 - Triaging and Managing Difficult Cases17:06 - Measuring and Improving Diagnostic Yield18:58 - Knowing Boundaries Behind Difficult Cases22:37 - Choosing the Best Guidance Modality26:16 - The Future with Augmented Reality28:11 - Tough Case Scenarios and Setup41:27 - Preventing and Managing Complications47:49 - Technical Tips for Future IRs51:40 - Wrap-up and Credits --- More about this episode The conversation covers how to triage complex cases, adjust technique for smaller or hard-to-reach lesions, and benchmark diagnostic success. Drs. Huang and Khan share their preferred imaging guidance, from CT to fluoroscopy, and explore new frontiers like augmented reality. Case scenarios highlight practical problem-solving, and the episode wraps up with technical pearls and complication-prevention tips gained from years of experience in targeted bone biopsy. --- 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. Aug 25

    Ep. 111 Best Practices for Concussion Care with Dr. Ryan Stempniak

    How do you navigate the evolving science and controversy of concussion care in athletes and beyond? On this episode of BackTable Bone & Sports, Dr. Larry Balle welcomes Dr. Ryan Stempniak to break down the fundamentals and emerging advances in concussion management. They define concussion pathophysiology, highlight why most injuries occur without loss of consciousness, and discuss delayed symptom onset that can complicate diagnosis and treatment. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction07:16 - Who Manages Concussions?12:21 - Defining and Understanding Concussions23:31 - Injury Mechanisms and Pathophysiology26:56 - Recognizing and Grading Symptoms35:00 - Assessment Tools: SCAT6 vs. SCOAT38:34 - Return-to-Play and Return-to-Learn50:42 - Medications, Supplements, and Treatment Advances57:10 - Concussion Subtypes and Individualized Care01:02:01 - Helmets, Wearables, and Emerging Technology01:10:11 - AI, Imaging, and Research Directions01:13:01 - Myths, Facts, and Protocol Updates01:16:57 - Closing Thoughts --- More about this episode The conversation covers mechanisms of injury, symptom assessment, sideline and office evaluation, and the critical role of return-to-learn before return-to-play. Drs. Balle and Stempniak discuss concussion subtypes, medication and supplement limitations, and the latest on helmets, wearables, and AI-driven research. They also emphasize individualized care plans, the importance of school and work accommodations, and practical strategies for clinicians managing this complex and ever-changing condition. --- ResourcesDr. Ryan Stempniakhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-stempniak-843545295/ --- 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. Aug 18

    Ep. 110 Understanding Joint Arthroplasty: Techniques & Advances with Dr. William Bryan

    How have modern surgical techniques, pain management algorithms, and focus on rehabilitation transformed joint replacement outcomes? On this episode of BackTable Bone & Sports, Dr. Larry Balle welcomes Dr. William Bryan of Houston Methodist to share his insights from decades of experience in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. Dr. Bryan reflects on his journey from mentorship under Dr. George Lane and Dr. Michael DeBakey to serving as team physician for the Houston Astros, emphasizing the importance of restoring normal function and keeping patients active. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction04:55 - Praising Mentorship11:59 - Evolution of Total Joint Care18:44 - Optimizing Pain Control Post-TKA30:42 - Discussing Operative Approach, Implants, and Emergence of Robotics38:21 - Longevity of TKAs in More vs. Less Active Patients41:58 - Knee Pain Eliciting Surgical Intervention50:13 - The Balancing Act of Orthobiologics as a Conservative Modality55:44 - Imaging Myths in Total Joint Surgery58:02 - Sharing Surgical Pearls 01:03:42 - Advice for Non-Operative Colleagues01:07:38 - Final Takeaways and Wrap Up --- More about this episode The physicians explore the progression of arthritis, conservative treatment options, and the evolution of joint replacement, from early complications to advances that have improved implant longevity. They also discuss anesthesia advancements including periarticular nerve blocks, emerging calcium channel-blocker analgesics, and the use of the ROMTech home rehabilitation device. Curious about common misconceptions surrounding total joint replacement? Dr. Bryan and Dr. Balle address the role of orthobiologics, imaging myths, and other frequently misunderstood aspects of arthroplasty. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of ligament balancing, the unique challenges of treating ligamentously lax patients, and practical strategies for maintaining joint health through low-impact exercise and diet-driven weight loss. --- Resources Dr. William Bryanhttps://doctor-bryan.com/ ROMTechhttps://romtech.com/ --- 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

  6. Aug 11

    Ep. 109 How Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Affects Athletes with Dr. Irvin Sulapas

    What’s your game plan when heat illness strikes on the field? On this episode of BackTable Bone & Sports, Dr. Larry Balle welcomes sports medicine physician Dr. Irvin Sulapas to discuss how clinicians and athletic trainers can use wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and other tools to improve athlete safety. They highlight best practices for communication with coaches, modifying training protocols, and recognizing the full spectrum of heat-related illness from heat rash to syncope and exertional heat stroke. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 04:12 - Defining Heat Stress and Its Risks08:26 - Cooling Strategies in Sports and Mitigating Risk 17:11 - Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Explained22:37 - Collaborating with Coaches and Trainers26:02 - Identifying High Risk Athletes30:57 - Heat Acclimatization Protocols33:17 - Physical Exam for Heat Illness39:12 - When to Activate EAPs and Call EMS47:02 - Return-to-Play Guidelines49:45 - Debunking Heat Illness Myths54:11 - The Future of Heat Safety57:13 - Key Takeaways and Wrap-Up --- More about this episode The discussion covers risk stratification, early interventions like cold-water immersion and tarp-assisted cooling oscillators, and practical protocols for emergency response. Dr. Sulapas and Dr. Balle also address key physical exam findings, when to activate emergency action plans, and guidelines for returning to play after heat illness. They debunk common heat myths and look at future directions for improving heat safety in sports medicine. --- Resources Dr. Irvin Sulapashttps://www.houstonmethodist.org/doctor/irvin-sulapas/ --- 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. Aug 4

    Ep. 108 ACL Rehab: Protocols and Best Practices with Dr. Andy Glidewell

    Time is money, but when it comes to ACL rehabilitation, the calendar alone does not determine readiness for return to play. On this episode of BackTable Bone & Sport, host Dr. Larry Balle is joined by returning guest Dr. Andy Glidewell to discuss modern protocols for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation. They cover the ACL’s role in knee stability, common injury mechanisms, and why moving beyond timeline-based milestones is crucial for optimal recovery. Glidewell emphasizes that while surgery reconstructs the ligament, rehabilitation is what restores true knee function. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps00:00 - Introduction05:55 - Collaborative ACL Protocols 09:56 - Anatomy Review: The Role of the ACL 14:41 - ACL Rehab Misconceptions19:04 - Rehab Goal Metrics: Time vs. Subjective Measures28:55 - Early Post-Op Priorities36:26 - Tweaking ACL Protocols Based on ACL Reconstruction Graft 42:30 - Use of Orthobiologics in Surgery47:15 - Progressing BFR to ARPE to Hypertrophy in Rehab56:38 - Incorporating Plymometrics and Agility Training in ACL Rehab1:00:19 - The Mental Hurdles in ACL Rehab and Return to Sport01:08:00 - Clinical Pearls in ACL Rehab01:10:20 - Wrap Up --- More about this episodeThe conversation explores early post-operative priorities, the importance of progressive strength and functional testing, and the need for closer collaboration between surgeons and physical therapists. Additional topics discussed include shifting from time-based to subjective and objective criteria for return to sport, and evolving approaches to open-chain knee extension to address persistent quadriceps deficits and reduce anterior knee pain. --- ResourcesDr. Andy Glidewellhttps://www.trainrecovermove.com/andyglidewellpthttps://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

    Ep. 108 ACL Rehab: Protocols and Best Practices with Dr. Andy Glidewell

  8. Jul 28

    Ep. 107 Ergogenic Aids and Supplements: Sports Medicine Insights with Dr. Ryan Rhodes

    Ergogenics: supplements NOT substitutes. On this episode of BackTable Bone & Sports, host Larry Balle joins Dr. Ryan Rhodes, a sports medicine physician and Army National Guard flight surgeon, in a discussion about ergogenic aids and supplements in athletic and military populations. They distinguish supplements from substitutes and define ergogenics broadly, noting limited evidence for popular peptides and the “bro science” culture. The doctors review historical and modern pharmacologic performance enhancers including anabolic steroids, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), growth hormone and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 04:03 - Ergogenics Overview07:17 - A Brief History Lesson in Performance Hacks14:54 - SARMs Explained18:00 - Supplement Industry Economics24:28 - Growth Hormone and HRT Nuance34:50 - Stimulant Use in Sports37:30 - The Hype Around Creatine 44:03 - Addressing the Renal Safety Myth with Creatine Use46:02 - The Rundown on Protein Intake Basics49:47 - Future Discussions on Ergogenic Aids52:02 - Closing Key Point: Five Point Supplement Test57:14 - Wrap Up --- More about this episode This episode also features case discussion surrounding injury risks from exogenous testosterone use and nuances associated with hormone-replacement. Dr. Rhodes shares his appreciation for creatine, highlighting its strong evidence and safety profile. Key takeaways include the five-point framework for evaluating supplements: safety, claims, meaningful impact, correcting deficiency, and cost. --- Resources Dr. Ryan Rhodeshttps://www.ochsner.org/doctors/ryan-rhodes/ --- 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

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5
out of 5
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    BackTable Inc.
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    140
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    BackTable Bone & Sports

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