About

Neil K. Kaushal, MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He completed his medical degree at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 2012 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from The College of New Jersey in 2008. Dr. Kaushal holds medical licensure in New Jersey and is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, specializing in Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery. He practices at NJMS-UH Cancer Center in Newark, NJ, and is involved in clinical activities within the Department of Orthopaedics. His practice includes participation with various insurance providers, and he maintains a focus on orthopaedic care, particularly in pediatric orthopaedics, as indicated by his certification. Dr. Kaushal's professional activities are centered around providing specialized orthopaedic services and contributing to the academic and clinical missions of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Research topics

• Surgery
• Political Science
• Medicine
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Medical education
• Library science
• Family medicine
• Physical therapy
• World Wide Web

Selected publications

• Risk Factors for Stiffness After Fixation of Tibial Tubercle Fractures: A Multicenter Study

  Journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America · 2026-05-01

  articleOpen access
  PublisherDOI

• Is Fixation Strategy Associated With Complication Risk in Ogden Type IV Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fractures? A Multicenter Study of the Tibial Tubercle Study Database

  Journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America · 2026-02-18

  articleOpen access

  The optimal surgical treatment of Ogden Type IV tibial tubercle avulsion fractures (TTAFs) remains controversial, given this injury pattern’s rarity and its multiplanar involvement of the proximal tibial physis. Small, single-center studies suggest type IV fractures have higher complication rates and more variable fixation constructs than other TTAF types. The purpose of this study is to delineate fixation constructs among surgically managed type IV TTAFs and identify factors associated with postoperative complications. A retrospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted across seven institutions examining surgically-managed Ogden IV TTAFs treated between 2007 and 2022. Patients treated nonoperatively were excluded. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, treatment strategy (including fixation construct), and post-operative complications were analyzed. Fisher exact tests were used to compare complication frequency between fixation techniques. Eighty-nine patients undergoing operative management of a type IV TTAF meeting study criteria were identified. The majority (72, 80.9%) were stabilized with screw-only constructs, while nine (10.1%) were treated with pins or hybrid pin/screw constructs and the remainder (9.0%) were treated with a plate. Among screw-only constructs, 4.5mm screws (49, 58%) with vertically-stacked orientation (37, 51.3%) were most common. Twenty-five patients (28.0%) experienced complications, the most common of which were implant irritation (14.6%) and wound problems (3.4%). One patient (1.1%) had postoperative compartment syndrome. When examining major complications (excluding implant irritation), the frequency was lower for screw-only constructs than other types of fixation (6.9% vs. 35.3%; p=0.005). For fractures fixed with screws only, there was no difference in overall complications based on the number of screws used (p=0.21). No implant failures or nonunions were observed. In this large, multicenter cohort of surgically-managed type IV TTAFs, considerable variation was observed among successful fixation constructs. Implant irritation was the most commonly observed complication. Other than implant irritation, the overall frequency of complications was low and lowest among screw-only constructs. Level III 1. A variety of fixation options exist for type IV tibial tubercle avulsion fractures 2. There was reliable healing and good outcomes in the majority of cases 3. Implant irritation is the most common complication in screw-only constructs 4. Anterior-to-posterior screws can provide acceptable fixation for type IV fractures

  PublisherDOI

• Is Medicaid status associated with adverse outcomes following posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis? A propensity score–matched nationwide analysis

  Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B · 2026-02-04

  articleSenior author

  Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) is the standard surgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), effectively improving spinal alignment and quality of life. However, disparities in postoperative outcomes related to socioeconomic status, specifically insurance type, remain poorly understood. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2016 to 2021. Patients aged 10–19 years undergoing PSF for AIS were identified using International Classification of Diseases – Tenth Revision codes. Propensity score matching was performed to control for demographic and clinical factors, yielding 4238 matched pairs of patients with Medicaid and private insurance ( N = 8476). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between insurance status and postoperative outcomes. Patients with Medicaid experienced higher 31–90 days readmission rates compared to patients with private insurance (1.49 vs. 0.94%; P = 0.001), while patients with private insurance had a higher overall complication rate (41.76 vs. 36.53%; P < 0.001). Patients with private insurance experienced a greater frequency of short-term complications such as postprocedural pain and intestinal obstruction, whereas patients with Medicaid had higher rates of severe complications such as sepsis (0.50 vs. 0.14%; P = 0.016). Medicaid status remained an independent predictor of long-term readmissions (odds ratio: 1.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.17–1.86, P = 0.001) after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. Insurance status significantly influences postoperative outcomes following PSF for AIS. Patients with Medicaid are at greater risk for long-term readmissions, while patients with private insurance experience a higher overall complication rate. Level of evidence: Level III, prognostic, case-control study

  PublisherDOI

• Are Routine Post–Cast Removal Radiographs and a Second Follow-up Appointment Necessary in the Management of Nondisplaced or Minimally Displaced Distal Radius Fractures?

  Journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America · 2025-03-08 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  Background: The effectiveness of routine follow-up radiographs and appointments after cast removal when managing minimally displaced pediatric distal radius fractures has not been conclusively proven. This study aims to assess how often follow-up appointments and radiographs taken after cast removal alter management of patients with minimally displaced distal radius fractures. Methods: A single-center retrospective chart review was conducted on patients under 18 years of age with minimally displaced distal radius fractures between 2017 and 2023. Demographic information, fracture characteristics, time to follow-up, and each appointment outcome were recorded. A change in patient management following post-cast removal radiographs was defined as a need for closed reduction, operative intervention, or prolonged immobilization. The second follow-up appointment was considered to modify management if it necessitated a physical therapy referral or an additional office visit. Unscheduled appointments and any changes in fracture alignment during follow-up visits were also noted. Results: Ninety-three patients met the inclusion criteria; 1.1% (1 of 93) of patients had their management changed following their post-cast removal radiographs according to our criteria. One patient was indicated for prolonged immobilization for a visible fracture line; no patients were indicated for surgery or closed reduction. Thirty-eight patients who underwent cast removal attended their 2nd follow-up appointment; 2.6% (1 of 38) of patients had their management changed according to our criteria. One patient required an additional follow-up appointment for a physeal check; no patient required a physical therapy referral. Two patients had an unscheduled appointment after discharge of care, due to parental desire of recovery confirmation before returning to gym play. No changes in fracture alignment were observed during any follow-up radiographs. Conclusions: This study suggests that post-cast removal radiographs and second follow-up appointments rarely alter management of minimally displaced distal radius fractures. Limiting unnecessary visits and imaging could reduce costs and ease the burden on patients and families. Key Concepts: 1) Post-cast removal radiographs rarely altered management for minimally displaced pediatric distal radius fractures.2) Only 1.1% of patients required prolonged immobilization, with no cases needing surgery or closed reduction.3) Second follow-up appointments infrequently changed management, with only 2.6% of patients requiring an additional visit.4) Unscheduled visits were primarily driven by parental concerns rather than clinical necessity.5) No changes in fracture alignment were observed in any follow-up radiographs. Level of Evidence: Level IV - case series.

  PublisherDOI

• Risk Factors for Stiffness After Fixation of Tibial Tubercle Fractures: A Multicenter Study From the TITUS Group

  JBJS Open Access · 2025-07-01

  articleOpen access

  Background: Persistent stiffness after operative treatment of tibial tubercle fractures (TTFs) can inhibit functional recovery and interfere with activities of daily living. Given the rare nature of this fracture, little data exist to help identify risk factors for this complication. The purpose of this multicenter study was to identify risk factors for stiffness after fixation of TTFs. Methods: Operatively managed TTFs at 7 tertiary children's hospitals in patients younger than 18 years were included in this retrospective comparative study. Fractures with <3 months of documented postoperative range of motion and those fixed with nonscrew implants were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic data were reviewed. Persistent stiffness was defined as lacking ≥20° of flexion compared with the contralateral knee at 3 months after surgery. Univariable analysis was followed by multivariate regression to adjust for confounders. Results: The incidence of prolonged stiffness among the 369 included patients was 3.0%. The median time between initial presentation and surgery was longer in those who developed stiffness (24 versus 14 hours, p = 0.002). Furthermore, those who had surgery >24 hours after presentation developed stiffness more often than those who underwent fixation within 24 hours (12.7% versus 1.6%, p < 0.001). The median duration of postoperative immobilization was longer in patients who developed stiffness (45 versus 28 days, p = 0.006). Children immobilized >4 weeks after surgery developed stiffness more frequently than those who initiated mobilization within 4 weeks (5.7% versus 0.6%, p = 0.009). When adjusting for confounders such as age and fracture classification, fixation >24 hours after presentation was associated with 9.7 times higher odds of stiffness (95% CI 2.0-46.5, p = 0.004) and postoperative immobilization >4 weeks had 10.3 times higher odds of stiffness (95% CI 1.1-95.0, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Persistent stiffness after surgical fixation of TTFs occurs in 3.0% of children. Prolonged postoperative immobilization (>4 weeks) and delayed surgical fixation (>24 hours) are associated with higher odds of a persistent flexion deficit 3 months after surgery. Surgeons should consider this information when determining timing of treatment and postoperative protocols. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

  PublisherDOI

• Distal Radius Interventions for Fracture Treatment (DRIFT) trial: study protocol for a multicentre randomised clinical trial of completely translated distal radius fractures at paediatric hospitals in North America

  UNC Libraries · 2025-12-18

  articleOpen access

  Distal radius fractures are the most common fractures seen in the emergency department in children in the USA. However, no established or standardised guidelines exist for the optimal management of completely displaced fractures in younger children. The proposed multicentre randomised trial will compare functional outcomes between children treated with fracture reduction under sedation versus children treated with simple immobilisation. Participants aged 4&ndash;10 years presenting to the emergency department with 100% dorsally translated metaphyseal fractures of the radius less than 5 cm from the distal radial physis will be recruited for the study. Those patients with open fractures, other ipsilateral arm fractures (excluding ulna), pathologic fractures, bone diseases, or neuromuscular or metabolic conditions will be excluded. Participants who agree to enrol in the trial will be randomly assigned via a minimal sufficient balance algorithm to either sedated reduction or in situ immobilisation. A sample size of 167 participants per arm will provide at least 90% power to detect a difference in the primary outcome of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity computer adaptive test scores of 4 points at 1 year from treatment. Primary analyses will employ a linear mixed model to estimate the treatment effect at 1 year. Secondary outcomes include additional measures of perceived pain, complications, radiographic angulation, satisfaction and additional procedures (revisions, refractures, reductions and reoperations). Ethical approval was obtained from the following local Institutional Review Boards: Advarra, serving as the single Institutional Review Board, approved the study (Pro00062090) in April 2022. The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, ON, Canada) did not rely on Advarra and received separate approval from their local Research Ethics Board (REB; REB number: 1000079992) on 19 July 2023. Results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conference meetings. NCT05131685.

  PublisherDOI

• Who is at Risk for Implant Irritation After Fixation of a Tibial Tubercle Fracture? A Multicenter Study

  Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics · 2025-02-21 · 3 citations

  article

  BACKGROUND: Tibial tubercle fractures are typically treated surgically with screws. Implant irritation is the most common complication. However, detailed investigation of this problem is challenging, since most research is limited to small, single-center studies. Understanding who is at the highest risk may improve patient counseling and potentially guide surgical techniques. The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors for implant irritation in patients undergoing fixation of tibial tubercle fractures. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included tibial tubercle fractures fixed with screws at 7 tertiary children's hospitals in the Tibial Tubercle Study (TITUS) Group. Exclusion criteria included age 18 years or older, primary fixation with nonscrew implants, or <6 months of follow-up. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative data was collected. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative implant irritation. Univariable analysis was followed by multivariable regression to adjust for confounders. Odds ratios (OR) are reported with 95% CIs. RESULTS: Of the 475 patients included, implant irritation was reported in 12.8% while 10.7% subsequently underwent unplanned removal. Patients weighing <70 kg reported more irritation than those weighing 70 kg or more (17.3% vs. 9.4%, P =0.01). However, in patients weighing <70 kg, there was no difference in the rate of symptomatic implants when stratifying by screw size. White patients reported more irritation than nonwhite patients (24.8% vs. 9.6%, P <0.001). Significant institutional variation in implant irritation rates was reported, ranging from 0% to 29% ( P =0.004). Screw number, size, configuration, washer use, or pre-existing Osgood-Schlatter syndrome were not associated with symptomatic implants. When adjusting for confounders in multivariable analysis, white patients (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.5-6.6; P =0.002) and those weighing <70 kg (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-4.2; P =0.02) had higher odds of experiencing implant irritation. One of the 7 study sites was also independently associated with increased odds of symptomatic screws (OR: 7.8, 95% CI: 1.1-54.9; P =0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Implant irritation was reported by 12.8% of patients following screw fixation of a tibial tubercle fracture. Even when accounting for institutional variability, white patients and those weighing <70 kg had higher odds of symptomatic screws. This information can be used to enhance patient counseling and potentially adjust surgical techniques in some patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

  PublisherDOI

• Utility of ChatGPT as a preparation tool for the Orthopaedic In‐Training Examination

  Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics · 2025-01-01 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract Purpose Chat Generative Pre‐Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) may have implications as a novel educational resource. There are differences in opinion on the best resource for the Orthopaedic In‐Training Exam (OITE) as information changes from year to year. This study assesses ChatGPT's performance on the OITE for use as a potential study resource for residents. Methods Questions for the OITE data set were sourced from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) website. All questions from the 2022 OITE were included. All questions, including those with images, were included in the analysis. The questions were formatted in the same manner as presented on the AAOS website, with the question, narrative text and answer choices separated by a line. Each question was evaluated in a new chat session to minimize confounding variables. Answers from ChatGPT were characterized by whether they contained logical, internal or external information. Incorrect responses were further categorized into logical, informational or explicit fallacies. Results ChatGPT yielded an overall success rate of 48.3% based on the 2022 AAOS OITE. ChatGPT demonstrated the ability to apply logic and stepwise thinking in 67.6% of the questions. ChatGPT effectively utilized internal information from the question stem in 68.1% of the questions. ChatGPT also demonstrated the ability to incorporate external information in 68.1% of the questions. The utilization of logical reasoning ( p &lt; 0.001), internal information ( p = 0.004) and external information (p = 0.009) was greater among correct responses than incorrect responses. Informational fallacy was the most common shortcoming of ChatGPT's responses. There was no difference in correct responses based on whether or not an image was present ( p = 0.320). Conclusions ChatGPT demonstrates logical, informational and explicit fallacies which, at this time, may lead to misinformation and hinder resident education. Level of Evidence Level V.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• State of the art review: enhanced recovery after surgery (eras) protocols in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

  Spine Deformity · 2025-12-02

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Orthopedic Surgery Residency Match Trends in 2024: Step Scores and Research on the Rise

  Journal of surgical education · 2025-08-23

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Orthopedic surgery residency remains one of the most competitive specialties in the United States. Recent changes in residency selection criteria, including the transition of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 to pass/fail scoring, have shifted emphasis toward alternative metrics such as Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) scores and research productivity. This study aims to analyze trends in orthopedic residency match competitiveness from 2016 to 2024, including program growth, applicant characteristics, and selection metrics. METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and the Charting Outcomes in the Match reports from 2016 to 2024. Metrics included applicant-to-position ratios, match rates, Step 2 CK scores, research output, Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) membership rates, and representation from medical schools with the most National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. Linear regression calculated annual growth rates, and between-group differences were analyzed using t-tests. RESULTS: The number of orthopedic residency programs increased from 163 in 2016 to 218 in 2024, with positions expanding from 717 to 916; the applicant to position ratio did not change throughout this time. Matched applicants demonstrated an increase in Step 2 CK scores (average 253 in 2016 and 257 in 2024, p = 0.010) and number of research items (8.2 in 2016 and 23.8 in 2024, p = 0.001). AOA membership (34.2%) and top medical school representation (33%) remained stable. Notably, MD/PhD applicants were disproportionately represented among unmatched candidates (3.2% vs. 1.3% matched, p = 0.073). CONCLUSION: Trends from 2016 to 2024 reveal an evolving orthopedic residency match. While traditional metrics such as AOA membership and institutional prestige remain stable, increasing emphasis on Step 2 CK scores and research productivity underscores their growing importance. The expanding number of programs and positions has not eased competition, and the specialty remains highly selective. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Folorunsho Edobor‐Osula

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  30 shared

• Alice Chu

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  26 shared

• Michael J. Vives

  Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

  20 shared

• Dhruv Mendiratta

  Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

  20 shared

• Isabel Herzog

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  16 shared

• Michael M. Vosbikian

  Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

  16 shared

• Ashok Para

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  16 shared

• Ari R. Berg

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  16 shared

Education

• M.D.

  Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

  2012

• B.S.

  The College of New Jersey

  2008