Episodios

  • Ep. 77 Treatment of Lumbar Radiculopathy with Intradiscal Ozone with Dr. Alexis Kelekis

    Ep. 77 Treatment of Lumbar Radiculopathy with Intradiscal Ozone with Dr. Alexis Kelekis
    May 20 2025
    Intradiscal ozone offers a minimally invasive approach to disc pain that can reduce inflammation and restore function. How well does it work and where does it fit in the lumbar radiculopathy treatment algorithm? In this episode of the Backtable MSK Podcast, host Jacob Fleming speaks with Dr. Alexis Kelekis about the contemporary role of intradiscal ozone and emerging innovations in interventional spine treatment.---SYNPOSISDr. Kelekis, a prominent figure in radiology and interventional pain management, shares insights from the 2025 GRIBOI meeting held in Banff, AB, Canada. Topics discussed include the development and possibility of bone augmentation polymers, intradiscal ozone therapy, and various interventional treatments for degenerative disc disease and vertebral fractures. Dr. Kelekis also touches on the need for specialized training in interventional radiology and the future of personalized medicine in pain management.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction06:40 - Ozone Treatment: Mechanism and Efficacy13:23 - Challenges and Innovations in Spine Treatments20:09 - Treatment Algorithm in Patients with Lower Extremity Radiculopathy 24:00 - Future Directions in Interventional Spine Treatments 30:28 - Closing Remarks---RESOURCESSpinaFx:https://spinafx.com/GRIBOI:https://www.griboi.org/
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    32 m
  • Ep. 76 Culture and Leadership: Enhancing the Training Experience and Beyond with Dr. Wayne Olan and Mr. David Tilton

    Ep. 76 Culture and Leadership: Enhancing the Training Experience and Beyond with Dr. Wayne Olan and Mr. David Tilton
    May 6 2025
    What sets apart those who are good from those who are great? This episode of Backtable MSK features a profound discussion on leadership and legacy with Dana Dunleavy, MD, Wayne Olan, MD, and David Tilton. Dr. Olan, Director of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery at George Washington University Medical Center, and David Tilton, a former Navy SEAL and current business and racing professional, share their unique experiences and insights surrounding perseverance in success.---SYNPOSISThe doctors discuss the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and cultivating a culture of growth and accountability. The conversation highlights how nurturing leaders can impact both professional and personal development, emphasizing that the best measure of success lies within the success of those you lead.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction10:50 - Learning from Those Around You16:56 - The Value of Continuous Learning and Avoiding Complacency31:43 - The Importance of Teamwork and Mentorship 50:07 - The Role of Failure in Success 52:45 - Closing Remarks: Support and Courage
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Ep. 75 Genicular Artery Embolization: Current Controversies and Insights with Dr. Sid Padia and Dr. Osman Ahmed

    Ep. 75 Genicular Artery Embolization: Current Controversies and Insights with Dr. Sid Padia and Dr. Osman Ahmed
    Apr 22 2025
    Who is the ultimate candidate for GAE, which technical approach is best, and how do you set your patients up for success? Tune into this week’s episode of BackTable to hear from interventional radiologists Dr. Osman Ahmed (University of Chicago Medicine) and Dr. Siddharth Padia (UCLA Health) as they discuss everything from patient selection to follow-up care, covering pre-procedure imaging, access, embolics, technical challenges, clinical data, and the future of genicular artery embolization. --- This podcast is supported by: Guerbet --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Padia debate their approaches to patient selection criteria, the use of MRI and cone beam CT, permanent vs. resorbable embolic materials, how many arteries to embolize, and the relevance of pain metrics post GAE. They also delve into follow-up considerations and the potential for GAE as a long term treatment. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 01:08 MRI for Patient Selection in GAE 08:53 Access Techniques: Femoral vs. Pedal 17:07 Cone Beam CT in GAE Procedures 27:20 Embolization Strategies 39:30 Challenges and Complications in Embolization 44:50 Follow-Up and Pain Metrics in Clinical Practice and Research 01:06:30 Repeat GAE Procedures: When and Why? 01:11:13 Post-Total Knee Replacement and GAE 01:21:01 Advice for IRs Looking to do GAE 01:24:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES GENESIS Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33474601/ Landers et al Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37051829/
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    1 h y 27 m
  • Ep. 74 Diagnosis and Treatment of Tarlov Cysts with Dr. Kieran Murphy

    Ep. 74 Diagnosis and Treatment of Tarlov Cysts with Dr. Kieran Murphy
    Apr 8 2025
    Attention radiologists: Were you trained to look for Tarlov cysts when reading spine MRI? In this episode of Backtable MSK, interventional neuroradiologist Dr. Kieran Murphy joins the studio to discuss the serious issue of chronic pain related to Tarlov cysts, a condition often overlooked in both diagnosis and treatment. Tarlov cysts, also known as perineural cysts, are fluid-filled sacs that form due to the dilation of the subarachnoid space around spinal nerve roots, most commonly at the base of the spine. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Murphy highlights the high risk of depression and suicide among patients, who are often misdiagnosed and overprescribed ineffective pain medications. He explains how to identify and treat Tarlov cysts through aspiration and fibrin sealing, addresses the historical dismissal of their significance, and underscores the need for a better understanding of CSF leaks. Additionally, Dr. Murphy emphasizes the importance of institutional responsibility in occupational radiation safety for interventionalists, advocating for improved lead protection and antioxidant use to mitigate radiation damage. The episode concludes with a humbling reminder of the implicit biases present in medical practice and the ongoing need for more inclusive and attentive patient care. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:24 - Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating Tarlov Cysts 04:05 - Patient Experiences and Misdiagnoses 06:06 - Cyst Aspiration Techniques 15:12 - Improved Diagnosis of CSF Abnormalities 22:10 - Allergic Reactions to Fibrin 25:30 - Implicit Bias in Medicine 34:50 - Radiation Safety in Radiology 43:47 - Final Thoughts and Reflections
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    47 m
  • Ep. 73 Understanding Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA) with Dr. Asad Baig

    Ep. 73 Understanding Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA) with Dr. Asad Baig
    Mar 25 2025
    You asked, and we delivered – here’s a comprehensive episode on Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA) for vertebrogenic lumbar pain! In this episode of Backtable MSK, our host Dr. Christopher Beck is joined by Dr. Asad Baig, Director of Interventional Spine at Columbia University, to discuss BVNA patient selection and procedural techniques. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Baig begins by sharing his journey from residency to his current role, including his initial exposure to spine procedures and the mentors who guided him. He offers examples of his workup for back pain, covering detailed patient history and key MRI findings. Dr. Baig emphasizes the importance of understanding risks and alternatives, as well as how to effectively counsel patients on these topics. Additionally, he walks through the BVNA procedure and shares his technical pearls. The episode concludes with Dr. Baig highlighting valuable resources for those interested in starting BVNA procedures and recognizing the supporting role of industry partners. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 10:14 - Patient Selection for BVNA 14:45 - Imaging Findings 19:38 - Consent Process and Risks 22:18 - Procedural Technique 28:32 - Sedation and Pain Management 34:03 - Post-Procedure Care and Follow-Up 37:09 - Challenges and Troubleshooting 40:34 - Resources and Mentorship
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    46 m
  • Ep. 72 Vertebral Augmentation: Demystifying the Data with Dr. Josh Hirsch

    Ep. 72 Vertebral Augmentation: Demystifying the Data with Dr. Josh Hirsch
    Mar 18 2025
    We’ve had many discussions about the technical aspects of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty on BackTable MSK. However, in this episode, we take a deeper look into the history of these procedures, exploring early research controversies and the challenges that threatened their existence. Our host, Dr. Jacob Fleming, is joined in the BackTable Studio by interventional neuroradiologist Dr. Joshua Hirsch, who was in San Diego for the ASSR 2025 meeting. Dr. Hirsch is the Chief of the Interventional Spine Service at Massachusetts General Hospital. --- This podcast is supported by: Medtronic MVP https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/healthcare-professionals/products/spinal-orthopedic.html#aq=%40pagetype%3D%22product-model%22&cq=%40products_category%3D%22Spinal%20and%20orthopedic%22%20OR%20%40ontology_isa%3D%22Spinal%20and%20orthopedic%22 --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Hirsch begins by outlining the historical origins of radiologists using cement injection and how this practice evolved into vertebroplasty. He then highlights early research on the procedure, focusing on key 2009 NEJM papers that sparked both scientific and public controversy, leading to setbacks in research and disparities in access to life-changing care. Since that time, newer studies have demonstrated the clear benefits of spinal augmentation for patients with vertebral insufficiency fractures, including Dr. Hirsch’s own research showing a mortality benefit compared to nonsurgical treatment. Overall, the doctors discuss how far this field has advanced and the exciting developments currently in progress. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 03:09 - Historical Origins of Vertebroplasty 07:08 - Development and Evolution of Vertebroplasty 10:21 - Controversy Over 2009 Randomized Control Trials 16:35 - Disparities in Access to Vertebroplasty 21:01 - Dr. Hirsch’s Research on Mortality Benefit of Vertebroplasty 32:31 - Opportunities for Patient Education 35:29 - Vertebroplasty vs. Kyphoplasty 37:34 - Challenges in Research Interpretations and Insurance Coverage 42:26 - Future Directions in Vertebral Augmentation --- RESOURCES Percutaneous polymethylmethacrylate vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures: technical aspects (Jensen et al, 1997): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8337380/ Simplicity of randomized, controlled trials of percutaneous vertebroplasty (Hirsch et al, 2003): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16880881/ INvestigational Vertebroplasty Efficacy and Safety Trial (INVEST): a randomized controlled trial of percutaneous vertebroplasty (Gray et al, 2007): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18096050/ A randomized trial of vertebroplasty for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures (Buchbinder et al, 2009): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19657121/ A Randomized Trial of Balloon Kyphoplasty and Nonsurgical Management for Treating Acute Vertebral Compression Fractures (FREE) (Meirhaeghe et al, 2013): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3678891/ A Randomized Trial of Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Spinal Fractures (Kallmes et al, 2009): https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0900563 A Randomized Trial of Epidural Glucocorticoid Injections for Spinal Stenosis (Friedly et al, 2014): https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1313265 Safety and efficacy of vertebroplasty for acute painful osteoporotic fractures (VAPOUR): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Clark et al, 2016): https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)31341-1/abstract Number Needed to Treat with Vertebral Augmentation to Save a Life (Hirsch et al, 2020): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6975314/ Major Medical Outcomes With Spinal Augmentation vs Conservative Therapy (McCullough et al, 2013): https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1710123 Harvey L. Neiman Policy Institute: https://www.neimanhpi.org/
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    53 m
  • Ep. 71 Genicular Nerve Ablation Insights: Techniques and Data with Dr. John Smirniotopoulos

    Ep. 71 Genicular Nerve Ablation Insights: Techniques and Data with Dr. John Smirniotopoulos
    Mar 11 2025
    Dr. John Smirniotopoulos, an interventional radiologist at Georgetown/MedStar Washington Hospital Center, discusses the intricacies of genicular nerve ablation (GNA) for pain management in patients with osteoarthritis and post-surgical knee pain. He delves into the history and evolution of GNA, outlines the neurovascular anatomy, and explains his specific rationale for targeting various nerves for ablation. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Smirniotopoulos also compares GNA with other procedures such as corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and genicular artery embolization (GAE). He emphasizes the importance of managing patient expectations, the role of physical therapy, and explores different modalities of GNA, including the use of cryoablation versus radiofrequency technology. The episode offers a comprehensive overview of expert insights for evaluating knee pain and performing effective GNA. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 03:13 - Understanding Genicular Nerve Anatomy 12:06 - Tailoring GNA Treatment to Each Patient 22:39 - Comparing Ablation Devices and Methods 28:06 - GNA in Surgical and Post-Traumatic Patients 33:19 - Patient-Centered Decision Making 38:50 - Evaluating Functional Outcomes 43:39 - Comparing Treatment Modalities 49:34 - Post-Procedure Counseling and Expectations 58:40 - Future Directions in GNA Research --- RESOURCES Safety and efficacy comparison of three- vs four-needle technique in the management of moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee using cooled radiofrequency ablation (Wong, et al 2021): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32968824/
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    1 h y 3 m
  • Ep. 70 Frontiers in Musculoskeletal Embolization with Dr. Yuji Okuno

    Ep. 70 Frontiers in Musculoskeletal Embolization with Dr. Yuji Okuno
    Feb 25 2025
    Musculoskeletal embolization is generating significant excitement in the field of chronic pain management. In this episode, Dr. Jacob Fleming hosts a discussion with Dr. Yuji Okuno from Japan, a pioneer in both basic science and clinical practice within the field of musculoskeletal embolization. --- This podcast is supported by: Medtronic MVP https://www.medtronic.com/mvp --- SYNPOSIS The conversation delves into Dr. Okuno's groundbreaking work using embolization to treat chronic pain from conditions such as frozen shoulder, knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, and various sports injuries. Dr. Okuno discusses the development of new temporary embolic agents and compares different approaches to embolization treatments, including the innovative use of antibiotics as embolic material. The doctors also cover the intriguing concept of differential recanalization, where abnormal inflammatory vessels are less likely to recanalize than normal vessels after embolic treatment. Identifying hypervascularity through MRI, ultrasound, or angiogram is a crucial step before attempting embolization. Overall, Dr. Okuno offers valuable insights into his clinical practice and the potential for groundbreaking advancements in musculoskeletal care worldwide. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:54 - Origins of Embolization for Pain 04:15 - Basic Science Research Discoveries and Clinical Trials 09:02 - Temporary Embolic Materials 15:28 - Techniques for Embolization 17:33 - Plantar Fasciitis Treatment 24:04 - Future of Embolization in Sports Injuries 28:11 - Diagnostic Imaging in Embolization 36:10 - Global Expansion and Collaborations
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    39 m
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