SYNOPSIS: Musculoskeletal imaging of the spine can be an invaluable tool to inform clinical decision making in patients with spinal pain. An understanding of the technology involved in producing and interpreting high-resolution images produced from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the human spine is necessary to better appreciate which sequences can be used for, or tailored to, individual patients and their conditions. However, there is substantial variability in the clinical meaningfulness of some MRI findings of spinal tissues. For example, normal variants can often mimic significant musculoskeletal pathology, which could increase the risk of misinformed clinical decisions and, even worse, poor or adverse outcomes. This clinical commentary will highlight some of the pearls and pitfalls of MRI for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, and include cases to illustrate some of the common imaging artifacts and normal variants for MRI of the spine.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(11):848-860. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3636

KEY WORDS: MRI, medical imaging, radiology, spinal pain, whiplash

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1993;17(4):177-184.

Key Words: electrical stimulation therapy, magnetics

SYNOPSIS: The process of evidence-based practice (EBP) guides clinicians in the integration of individual clinical expertise, patient values and expectations, and the best available evidence. Becoming proficient with this process takes time and consistent practice, but should ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes. The EBP process entails 5 steps: (1) formulating an appropriate question, (2) performing an efficient literature search, (3) critically appraising the best available evidence, (4) applying the best evidence to clinical practice, and (5) assessing outcomes of care. This second commentary in a 2-part series will review principles relating to steps 3 through 5 of this 5-step model. The purpose of this commentary is to provide a perspective to assist clinicians in interpreting results, applying the evidence to patient care, and evaluating proficiency with EBP skills in studies of interventions for orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. 

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(8):485-501, published online 27 June 2008. doi:10.2519/jospt.2008.2725

SYNOPSIS: The process of evidence-based practice (EBP) guides clinicians in the integration of individual clinical expertise, patient values and expectations, and the best available evidence. Becoming proficient with this process takes time and consistent practice, but should ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes. The EBP process entails 5 steps: (1) formulating an appropriate question, (2) performing an efficient literature search, (3) critically appraising the best available evidence, (4) applying the best evidence to clinical practice, and (5) assessing outcomes of care. This first commentary in a 2-part series will review principles relating to steps 1, 2, and 3 of this 5-step model. The purpose of this commentary is to provide a perspective to assist clinicians in formulating foreground questions, searching for the best available evidence, and determining validity of results in studies of interventions for orthopaedic and sports physical therapy.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(8):476-484, published online 27 June 2008. doi:10.2519/jospt.2008.2722

KEY WORDS: critical appraisal, physical therapy, treatment effectiveness

SYNOPSIS: The development of chronic pain and disability following whiplash injury is common and contributes substantially to personal and economic costs related with this condition. Emerging evidence demonstrates the clinical presence of alterations in the sensory and motor systems, including psychological distress in all individuals with a whiplash injury, regardless of recovery. However, individuals who transition to the chronic state present with a more complex clinical picture characterized by the presence of widespread sensory hypersensitivity, as well as significant posttraumatic stress reactions. Based on the diversity of the signs and symptoms experienced by individuals with a whiplash condition, clinicians must take into account the more readily observable/measurable differences in motor, sensory, and psychological dysfunction. The implications for the assessment and management of this condition are discussed. Further review into the pathomechanical, pathoanatomical, and pathophysiological features of the condition also will be discussed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2009;39(5):312-323, Epub 3 June 2008. doi:10.2519/jospt.2009.2826

KEY WORDS: cervical spine, neck, WAD

As consumer access to physical therapy practice expands, it is important that physical therapists are familiar with and implementing accepted methods of identifying the cardiovascular status of their clients. Established guidelines for assessing cardiovascular risk prior to initiating aerobic exercise programs are available and can be readily adopted by physical therapists in diverse clinical settings. We have provided a process for integrating existing guidelines into clinical practice. Because little evidence exists regarding the clinical behaviors and knowledge of orthopedic physical therapists in the area of cardiovascular risk, we conducted a survey to assess current practice patterns. The results suggest that orthopedic physical therapists are performing cardiovascular screening at frequencies similar to other components of the history and systems review, but that monitoring baseline or exercising vital signs does not occur with every exercise session.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2005;35(11):730-737. doi:10.2519/jospt.2005.2102

Key Words: aerobic capacity, cardiovascular risk, risk factor screening

Tennis elbow is a common yet sometimes complex musculoskeletal condition affecting many patients treated by physical therapists. The purpose of this article is to review the anatomy, clinical examination, differential diagnosis, conservative care, and surgical treatment for tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis. Particular attention is given to determining the precise pathological cause of lateral epicondylitis, with consideration of intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with this condition. This information should assist health care practitioners who treat patients with this disorder.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1994;19(6)357-366.

Key Words: lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), conservative treatment, surgical treatment

This case study reports on a patient with a diagnosis of bilateral patellar tendon ruptures. Bilateral ruptures of the infrapatellar tendons are rare occurrences; approximately 20 cases have been reported in the medical literature. Much of the medical literature concentrates on surgical repair, immediate postoperative follow-up, and final outcome. There is a void in the literature concerning the rehabilitative process of these patients. The subject of this study is a 26-year-old male former collegiate athlete who suffered simultaneous bilateral patellar tendon ruptures while jumping. A rehabilitation model is provided that may assist others treating patients with similar conditions.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1994;20(3):166-170.

Key Words: patellar tendon, rehabilitation, electrical stimulation