152. Knee Meniscal Tears: Anatomy, Diagnosis, and Treatment that Makes Sense

Send us a textIn this episode, we cover the anatomy and functions of the menisci, the mechanisms behind various types of meniscal tears, and clinical assessment techniques. We also discuss when to opt for conservative care versus surgical treatment, and reviews special tests and imaging standards like MRIs. Tune in to enhance your understanding of knee meniscal injuries and improve your clinical practice.00:00 Introduction to Bets Snacks Podcast00:23 Overview of Knee Meniscal Tears00:54 Anatomy and Function of the Menisci03:03 Types of Meniscal Tears05:58 Clinical Assessment Techniques08:15 Imaging and Diagnosis09:04 Conservative vs. Surgical Treatment12:03 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesBeamer BS, Walley KC, Okajima S, et al. (2017). Meniscal Repair vs Partial Meniscectomy: A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Outcomes. Arthroscopy, 33(9), 1635–1643.Englund M, Guermazi A, Gale D, et al. (2008). Incidental Meniscal Findings on Knee MRI in Middle-Aged and Elderly Persons. New England Journal of Medicine, 359(11), 1108–1115.Logerstedt DS, Scalzitti D, Risberg MA, et al. (2010). Knee Pain and Mobility Impairments: Meniscal and Articular Cartilage Lesions. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT) Clinical Practice Guidelines, 40(6), A1–A35.LaPrade RF, Geeslin AG, Everett CR, et al. (2015). Diagnosis and Treatment of Meniscal Injuries: A Review. Sports Health, 7(2), 147–154.Stensrud S, Risberg MA, Roos EM. (2012). Effect of Exercise Therapy on Meniscal Tear Outcomes in Middle-Aged Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. British Medical Journal (BMJ), 344:e533.Go to PT Final Exam using this link to access great studying options to conquer the NPTE!Support the showStay Connected! Make sure to hit follow now so you don't miss an episode! Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE. You can also join the email list HERE Need CEUs Fast?Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered: Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less! Prepping for the NPTE? Get all the study tools you need to master it at PT Final Exam. Use code PTSnacks at checkout to get a discount! Want to Support the Show?Help me keep creating free content by: Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit. Contributing directly via the link...

Send us a textUnderstanding the Sacroiliac Joint: Causes, Diagnosis, and TreatmentIn this episode of PTs Snacks podcast, we cover the often misunderstood sacroiliac (SI) joint, explaining its anatomy and function. Listeners will learn about the causes of SI joint pain and the risk factors associated with it. We also discuss methods for diagnosing SI joint pain and effective treatments.00:00 Introduction to PTs Snacks Podcast00:58 Overview of the Sacroiliac (SI) Joint01:28 Anatomy and Function of the SI Joint02:59 Causes and Risk Factors of SI Joint Pain04:13 Symptoms and Differential Diagnosis06:48 Provocative Tests for SI Joint Pain09:31 Imaging and Injections for Diagnosis10:43 Treatment Options for SI Joint Pain11:32 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesResources:Nejati P, et al. Effectiveness of exercise therapy and manipulation on sacroiliac joint dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial. Pain Physician. 2019;22(1):53-61.Trager R, et al. Efficacy of manual therapy for sacroiliac joint pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2024;67:102815.Doğan N, et al. Effects of mobilization treatment on sacroiliac joint dysfunction syndrome. Pain Res Manag. 2021;2021:6613629.Javadov A, et al. The efficiency of manual therapy and sacroiliac and lumbar exercises in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction syndrome. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2021;67(2):129-36.Cerasoli T, et al. Injective therapies for managing sacroiliac joint pain in spondyloarthropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2025.Gartenberg A, et al. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2021;14(6):414-21.Liu Y, et al. Comparative efficacy of clinical interventions for sacroiliac joint pain: systematic review and network meta-analysis with preliminary design of treatment algorithm. Pain Physician. 2023;26(2):123-34.Polly D, et al. Two-year outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of minimallGo to PT Final Exam using this link to access great studying options to conquer the NPTE!Support the showStay Connected! Make sure to hit follow now so you don't miss an episode! Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE. You can also join the email list HERE Need CEUs Fast?Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered: Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less! Prepping for the NPTE? Get all the study tools you need to master it at PT Final Exam. Use code PTSnacks at checkout to get a discount! Want to Support the Show?Help me keep creating free content by: Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit. Contributing directly via the link...

Send us a textWelcome to PT Stocks podcast! In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of using MRIs in physical therapy. MRIs are a great tool, but we need to learn how to use them appropriately to maximize their effectiveness. We'll explore key topics such as common asymptomatic MRI findings, when to order imaging, and how to educate and empower patients. Expect to learn about the cervical and lumbar spine, knee, rotator cuff, and hip labral tears, and get actionable tips on integrating MRI with clinical assessments. Tune in for practical takeaways that will enhance your diagnostic skills without over-relying on imaging.00:00 Introduction to PT Stocks Podcast00:55 Understanding MRIs: Asymptomatic Findings03:42 Clinical Examples of MRI Findings08:59 When to Order an MRI12:34 Cases Where MRI May Not Be Needed14:50 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesBrinjikji W, Luetmer PH, Comstock B, et al. Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015;36(4):811–816. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A4173Culvenor AG, Øiestad BE, Østerås N, et al. MRI features of knee osteoarthritis in patellofemoral pain: a cross-sectional case–control study. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(12):817–823. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2017-098349Tempelhof S, Rupp S, Seil R. Age-related prevalence of rotator cuff tears in asymptomatic shoulders. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1999;8(4):296–299. doi:10.1016/S1058-2746(99)90148-9Yamaguchi K, Ditsios K, Middleton WD, Hildebolt CF, Galatz LM, Teefey SA. The demographic and morphological features of rotator cuff disease: a comparison of asymptomatic and symptomatic shoulders. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2006;88(8):1699–1704. doi:10.2106/JBJS.E.00835Register B, Pennock AT, Ho CP, Strickland CD, Lawand A, Philippon MJ. Prevalence of abnormal hip findings in asymptomatic participants: a prospective, blinded study. Am J Sports Med. 2012;40(12):2720–2724. doi:10.1177/0363546512453291Cardinal E, Buckwalter KA, Braunstein EM, Pope TL, Montgomery WJ. MGo to PT Final Exam using this link to access great studying options to conquer the NPTE!Support the showStay Connected! Make sure to hit follow now so you don't miss an episode! Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE. You can also join the email list HERE Need CEUs Fast?Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered: Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less! Prepping for the NPTE? Get all the study tools you need to master it at PT Final Exam. Use code PTSnacks at checkout to get a discount! Want to Support the Show?Help me keep creating free content by: Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit. Contributing directly via the link...

Send us a textIn this episode of PT Snacks podcast, we dive deep into scaphoid fractures, a common yet often mismanaged injury in younger and active individuals. Listeners will learn about the anatomy of the scaphoid bone, the typical mechanisms of injury, common diagnostic challenges, and both conservative and surgical treatment options. We explain the importance of recognizing and adequately managing these fractures to prevent complications like avascular necrosis and non-union. Tune in to enhance your knowledge and clinical skills regarding this significant topic in physical therapy.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:44 Topic Overview: Scaphoid Fractures01:21 Anatomy of the Scaphoid03:29 Mechanisms and Risk Factors04:27 Diagnosis and Imaging05:11 Differential Diagnosis05:59 Symptoms and Clinical Examination06:36 Treatment Options07:40 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesReferencesSteinmann S, et al. Scaphoid fractures and nonunions: diagnosis and treatment. J Orthop Sci. 2006.Rhemrev S, et al. Current methods of diagnosis and treatment of scaphoid fractures. Int J Emerg Med. 2011.Clementson M, et al. Acute scaphoid fractures: guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. EFORT Open Rev. 2020.Krasin E, et al. Review of the current methods in the diagnosis and treatment of scaphoid fractures. Postgrad Med J. 2001.Krimmer H, et al. [Scaphoid fractures—diagnosis, classification and therapy]. Unfallchirurg. 2000.Clementson M, et al. [Scaphoid fractures – Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment]. Lakartidningen. 2019.Pickrell BB, et al. Update on management of scaphoid fractures. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2024.Go to PT Final Exam using this link to access great studying options to conquer the NPTE!Support the showStay Connected! Make sure to hit follow now so you don't miss an episode! Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE. You can also join the email list HERE Need CEUs Fast?Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered: Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less! Prepping for the NPTE? Get all the study tools you need to master it at PT Final Exam. Use code PTSnacks at checkout to get a discount! Want to Support the Show?Help me keep creating free content by: Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit. Contributing directly via the link...

Send us a textIn today's episode of PTs Snacks podcast, hosted by Kasey, we dive into the intricacies of high ankle sprains, also known as syndesmotic ankle sprains. We'll explore the relevant anatomy, common mechanisms of injury, diagnostic techniques, and treatment strategies. Kasey also highlights the importance of distinguishing high ankle sprains from other types of ankle injuries and discusses both non-surgical and surgical management approaches. Whether you're a seasoned physical therapist or a student, this episode is packed with valuable insights to enhance your clinical practice.00:00 Introduction to PTs Snacks Podcast00:19 Understanding High Ankle Sprains00:56 Anatomy Review: Syndesmotic Ligaments03:43 Mechanism of Injury05:29 Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis06:43 Stress Tests for High Ankle Sprains08:29 Imaging and Differential Diagnoses09:30 Treatment and Rehabilitation Stages11:43 Prognosis and Final Thoughts12:19 Special Offers and ConclusionGo to PT Final Exam using this link to access great studying options to conquer the NPTE!Support the showStay Connected! Make sure to hit follow now so you don't miss an episode! Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE. You can also join the email list HERE Need CEUs Fast?Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered: Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less! Prepping for the NPTE? Get all the study tools you need to master it at PT Final Exam. Use code PTSnacks at checkout to get a discount! Want to Support the Show?Help me keep creating free content by: Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit. Contributing directly via the link...

Send us a textIn this episode of the PT Snacks podcast, host Kasey delves into medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries. Listeners will gain insights into the anatomy of the MCL, common causes of injury, and who is most susceptible. The episode also covers how to assess and diagnose MCL injuries using specific tests and medical imaging, as well as treatment options and prognosis for different injury grades. Suitable for physical therapists and students, this episode provides essential knowledge to enhance their understanding of knee injuries and effective treatment strategies.00:00 Introduction to MCL Injuries01:55 Understanding MCL Anatomy03:54 Common Causes and Risk Factors04:55 Diagnosis and Assessment Techniques07:33 Treatment and Prognosis08:55 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesGo to PT Final Exam using this link to access great studying options to conquer the NPTE!Support the showStay Connected! Make sure to hit follow now so you don't miss an episode! Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE. You can also join the email list HERE Need CEUs Fast?Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered: Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less! Prepping for the NPTE? Get all the study tools you need to master it at PT Final Exam. Use code PTSnacks at checkout to get a discount! Want to Support the Show?Help me keep creating free content by: Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit. Contributing directly via the link...

Send us a textIn this episode of the PT Snacks podcast, we dive into the topic of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Aimed at physical therapists and students, this discussion covers the basics of RED-S, including its causes, symptoms, and the importance of early detection. We explain how this condition affects various body systems and performance, and highlight the role of physical therapists in screening and referring patients. Additionally, listeners will learn about the types of athletes at risk, signs to watch for in the clinic, and available screening tools. Tune in to enhance your understanding and improve your ability to support patients dealing with RED-S.00:00 Introduction to PT Sacks Podcast00:19 Episode Focus: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDS)00:56 Importance of Early Detection02:11 Understanding REDS: Causes and Effects03:19 Identifying At-Risk Individuals04:11 Symptoms and Indicators of REDS05:00 Injury Correlation and Risks05:45 Screening Tools and Referral06:20 Final Thoughts and Resources08:03 Special Offers and Conclusion1.     Mountjoy M, et al. (2018). IOC consensus statement on RED‑S. Br J Sports Med, 52(11), 687–697. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/52/11/6872.     Tenforde AS, et al. (2022). Understanding RED‑S in sport. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 21(1), 30–37.3.     Ackerman KE, et al. (2020). Prevalence of RED‑S symptoms in athletes. Sports Health, 12(6), 539–546.4.     Melin A, et al. (2023). Screening tools for RED‑S. Br J Sports Med, 57(17), 1119–1128. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/17/11195.     De Souza MJ, et al. (2014). LEA in athletes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 99(3), 777–787.6.     Logue D, et al. (2020). Low energy availability in athletes. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 6(1).Go to PT Final Exam using this link to access great studying options to conquer the NPTE!Support the showStay Connected! Make sure to hit follow now so you don't miss an episode! Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE. You can also join the email list HERE Need CEUs Fast?Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered: Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less! Prepping for the NPTE? Get all the study tools you need to master it at PT Final Exam. Use code PTSnacks at checkout to get a discount! Want to Support the Show?Help me keep creating free content by: Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit. Contributing directly via the link...

Send us a textIn this episode of PT Snacks Podcast, we discuss the essentials of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for physical therapists and students. Learn about the creation and types of PRP, its intended effects, and practical applications in treating various conditions such as osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, and tendinopathies. We also dive into the evidence supporting PRP's effectiveness and provides insights on how to communicate this information to patients. 00:00 Introduction to PT Snacks Podcast00:45 Today's Topic: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)01:39 Understanding PRP: What It Is and How It's Made02:50 Types of PRP: Leukocyte Rich vs. Leukocyte Poor03:31 Mechanisms of PRP: How It Works05:37 Effectiveness of PRP: When Does It Work?07:25 Further Learning and Resources08:35 Conclusion and Contact InformationMiddleton K et al. (2012). The Iowa Orthopaedic Journal – PRP in soft tissue injuries.Zhang N et al. (2013). The Scientific World Journal – Bone healing mechanisms.Park HB et al. (2011). Korean Journal of Hematology – Cytokine profiles and MMPs.Woodall JW et al. (2008). Biomedical Sciences Instrumentation – Inflammatory modulation.Zhou Y et al. (2017). Journal of Tissue Engineering – Tendon-bone interface and PRP.Chalidis B et al. (2023). Int. J. Mol. Sci. – PRP in tendon/ligament regeneration.Kobayashi Y et al. (2020). Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics – Angiogenesis and collagen in tendon healing.Hada S et al. (2024). Cureus – PRP in ACL injuries.Kalbkhani M et al. (2014). Applied Soft Computing – PRP in experimental OA.Gobbi A et al. (2014). PRP in Early OA of the Knee.Go to PT Final Exam using this link to access great studying options to conquer the NPTE!Support the showStay Connected! Make sure to hit follow now so you don't miss an episode! Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE. You can also join the email list HERE Need CEUs Fast?Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered: Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less! Prepping for the NPTE? Get all the study tools you need to master it at PT Final Exam. Use code PTSnacks at checkout to get a discount! Want to Support the Show?Help me keep creating free content by: Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit. Contributing directly via the link...

Send us a textIn this episode of PTs Snacks podcast, we dive into Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD). Listeners will learn about the nature of whiplash, common causes, and the anatomical structures involved. We discusse how to effectively evaluate patients using various screening tools and questionnaires, and emphasizes the importance of differentiating WAD from other cervical spine traumas. The episode covers best practices for treating WAD through a multimodal approach that includes manual therapy, exercise, patient education, and nerve mobilization. Tips for practicing and screening for red flags are provided, along with insights on how to empower patients through education and active management.00:00 Introduction to PTs Snacks Podcast00:20 Understanding Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD)01:20 Epidemiology and Causes of Whiplash03:41 Clinical Evaluation and Screening for Whiplash06:26 Treatment Approaches for Whiplash10:08 Patient Education and Reassurance11:12 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesGo to PT Final Exam using this link to access great studying options to conquer the NPTE!Support the showStay Connected! Make sure to hit follow now so you don't miss an episode! Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE. You can also join the email list HERE Need CEUs Fast?Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered: Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less! Prepping for the NPTE? Get all the study tools you need to master it at PT Final Exam. Use code PTSnacks at checkout to get a discount! Want to Support the Show?Help me keep creating free content by: Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit. Contributing directly via the link...

Send us a textIn this episode of PTs Snacks Podcast, host we dive deep into the topic of spondylolythesis, discussing what it is, the different types, how to evaluate it, and typical treatment approaches. We explore several classifications, including dysplastic, isthmic, degenerative, traumatic, and pathologic types, and explains common symptoms and patient presentations. We also covers diagnostic tools such as radiographs and MRIs, and outlines treatment and management strategies, stressing the importance of creating a healing environment and referring patients to specialists when necessary. 00:00 Introduction to PTs Snacks Podcast00:21 Understanding Spondylolysis02:57 Types of Spondylolysis06:02 Diagnostic Imaging for Spondylolysis07:23 Treatment Approaches for Spondylolysis08:56 When to Consider Surgical Intervention10:21 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesGo to PT Final Exam using this link to access great studying options to conquer the NPTE!Support the showStay Connected! Make sure to hit follow now so you don't miss an episode! Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE. You can also join the email list HERE Need CEUs Fast?Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered: Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less! Prepping for the NPTE? Get all the study tools you need to master it at PT Final Exam. Use code PTSnacks at checkout to get a discount! Want to Support the Show?Help me keep creating free content by: Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit. Contributing directly via the link...