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Understanding the Sacroiliac Joint: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

In 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 Podcast
00:58 Overview of the Sacroiliac (SI) Joint
01:28 Anatomy and Function of the SI Joint
02:59 Causes and Risk Factors of SI Joint Pain
04:13 Symptoms and Differential Diagnosis
06:48 Provocative Tests for SI Joint Pain
09:31 Imaging and Injections for Diagnosis
10:43 Treatment Options for SI Joint Pain
11:32 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Resources:

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 minimall

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Welcome 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 Podcast

00:55 Understanding MRIs: Asymptomatic Findings

03:42 Clinical Examples of MRI Findings

08:59 When to Order an MRI

12:34 Cases Where MRI May Not Be Needed

14:50 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Brinjikji 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.A4173

Culvenor 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-2017-098349

Tempelhof 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)90148-9

Yamaguchi 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.00835

Register 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:10.1177/0363546512453291

Cardinal E, Buckwalter KA, Braunstein EM, Pope TL, Montgomery WJ. M

Go to PT Final Exam using this link to access great studying options to conquer the NPTE!

Support the show

Stay Connected!

Make sure to hit follow now so you don't miss an episode! Got questions? Email me at ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com 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!

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Help me keep creating free content by:

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In 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 Welcome

00:44 Topic Overview: Scaphoid Fractures

01:21 Anatomy of the Scaphoid

03:29 Mechanisms and Risk Factors

04:27 Diagnosis and Imaging

05:11 Differential Diagnosis

05:59 Symptoms and Clinical Examination

06:36 Treatment Options

07:40 Conclusion and Additional Resources

References

1. Steinmann S, et al. Scaphoid fractures and nonunions: diagnosis and treatment. J Orthop Sci. 2006.
2. Rhemrev S, et al. Current methods of diagnosis and treatment of scaphoid fractures. Int J Emerg Med. 2011.
3. Clementson M, et al. Acute scaphoid fractures: guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. EFORT Open Rev. 2020.
4. Krasin E, et al. Review of the current methods in the diagnosis and treatment of scaphoid fractures. Postgrad Med J. 2001.
5. Krimmer H, et al. [Scaphoid fractures—diagnosis, classification and therapy]. Unfallchirurg. 2000.
6. Clementson M, et al. [Scaphoid fractures – Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment]. Lakartidningen. 2019.
7. 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 show

Stay Connected!

Make sure to hit follow now so you don't miss an episode! Got questions? Email me at ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com 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:

1. Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit.
2. Contributing directly via the link...