About

Dr. Sanjeev Sabharwal is a fellowship trained Pediatric Orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spinal and limb deformities. He is a Professor of Orthopedics and serves as the Chief of Pediatric Orthopedics at Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School. Following his orthopaedic residency at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, he completed fellowships in Pediatric Orthopaedics and Scoliosis at the Los Angeles Children's Hospital (University of Southern California) and Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children (UCLA). He also trained at the Maryland Center for Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction. Dr. Sabharwal treats children and young adults with musculoskeletal problems, including limb and spinal deformities and limb length discrepancy. His other interests include neuromuscular disorders such as Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy. He is the past President of the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society (LLRS) and is an active member of several orthopedic societies including POSNA and SRS. Dr. Sabharwal has published extensively and recently edited a comprehensive textbook on lower limb deformities in children. He also serves as a Deputy Editor for the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) and Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research (CORR).

Research topics

• Medicine
• Medical education
• Family medicine
• Psychology
• Surgery
• Library science
• Internal medicine
• Economic growth

Selected publications

• The Value of Reusing Orthopedic-Related Equipment

  2026-01-01

  book-chapterSenior authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• The Burden of Lower Limb Deformities in Low- and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

  Journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America · 2026-04-14

  articleOpen access

  Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions like lower limb deformities significantly contribute to the global burden of disease. Low-income countries (LICs) and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately affected, yet specifics surrounding MSK conditions in these regions remain largely unquantified. This scoping review seeks to (1) assess the epidemiologic information currently available for lower limb deformities in LICs and LMICs, including etiology and treatment, as well as (2) examine the individual, societal, and socioeconomic impact of these conditions. A scoping review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for studies published between 2012 and 2022 in LICs and LMICs containing statistics and epidemiological data quantifying the prevalence of lower limb deformities and/or providing sociological or economic analysis of the burden of those deformities. Forty-two studies of the original 3476 screened were included in this review. The studies, spanning 51 different LICs and LMICs, were primarily cross-sectional (n = 19) in design. Most studies had level IV evidence (n = 27, 64%). Trauma was the most common reported etiology of lower limb deformity (60%), clubfoot the most often reported congenital condition (75%), and amputation the most common reported treatment (67%). Less than half of included studies (n = 18, 43%) investigated disease burden utilizing either quality-adjusted life years or disability-adjusted life years, employment level, functional outcomes, psychological/interpersonal impact, and/or access to care. Despite the high prevalence of lower limb deformities in LICs and LMICs, associated epidemiological and disease burden data remain limited. Available studies broadly categorized sequelae of MSK injuries with limited information on treatment outcomes. Amputation was the most commonly mentioned surgical treatment despite the potential societal stigma regarding amputees. Even fewer studies explored the burden of MSK conditions impacting quality of life. A deeper understanding of the prevalence and impact of specific MSK conditions in LICs and LMICs will provide actionable data to inform a more comprehensive, locally relevant, and sustainable approach to managing lower limb deformities in resource-challenged environments. Key Concepts: (1)Lower limb deformities from a variety of congenital and acquired etiologies can impact patients from birth, including their physical and psychosocial well-being and function in society.(2)Lower limb deformities are especially impactful in the setting of low-income countries (LICs)/lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) where adaptive, surgical, and prosthetic options can be limited, and there is a dearth of data on the exact epidemiology of these deformities that limits the ability to calculate specific prevalence or incidence by country.(3)More granular and standardized data collection and distribution is needed on the epidemiology and burden of lower limb deformities in LICs/LMICs in order to inform policies aimed at increasing access to care, preventing, and treating such deformities as well as to better allow for analysis and quantification of the burden of disease on a socioeconomic and individual level.

  PublisherDOI

• JBJS Reviews 2.0

  JBJS Reviews · 2026-05-01

  article1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Preferences and Perceptions of Training Models in Global Surgery With a Focus on Orthopedics: A Scoping Review

  Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine · 2026-03-11

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  This scoping review examines learner-reported preferences and experiences with remote learning, observership, and visiting-surgeon exchange models in low-resource settings. We outline potential benefits, limitations, equity considerations, and evidence gaps that can inform ethical and sustainable global orthopaedic education partnerships. Recent literature on global orthopaedic education has largely focused on training exchanges involving high-income country (HIC) trainees in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with reported benefits including skills transfer and professional development alongside challenges related to continuity of care, resource burden, and limited reciprocity. However, despite growing consensus around equity and reciprocity, the perspectives of orthopaedic trainees and practicing surgeons in low-resource settings remain underrepresented in the current literature. Learners in low-resource settings valued international exchanges that provided structured teaching, subspecialty exposure, and access to higher-volume clinical environments. Virtual and simulation-based education demonstrated consistent improvements in knowledge and surgical skills despite technical and cost-related barriers. In-person and hybrid programs were associated with meaningful capacity-building benefits but required substantial resources, infrastructure, and long-term institutional commitment. Across all models, challenges related to infrastructure, cost, equity, and reciprocity remained. Notably, none of the included studies examined LMIC learner perspectives on bidirectional exchange with higher-resource settings, despite growing emphasis on reciprocity in contemporary partnership frameworks. These findings underscore the need for locally driven, sustainable global orthopaedic education partnerships with stronger outcome evaluation and greater LMIC leadership.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Diffusion Tensor Imaging Detects Functional and Structural Alterations in Post-Traumatic Distal Tibial Physeal Bars: A Preliminary Study

  Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics · 2026-03-30

  article

  BACKGROUND: Conventional advanced imaging for post-traumatic physeal bars of the distal tibia identifies abnormal ossification but provides limited information about the integrity of the remaining physis. This study sought to determine if diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can noninvasively detect and quantify changes associated with the size of a post-traumatic physeal bar. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study of 16 pediatric patients (mean age: 11.8±1.5 y) with a radiographically confirmed unilateral post-traumatic physeal bar of the distal tibia. All patients underwent bilateral ankle MRI at 3.0 Tesla (T) with a DTI sequence. The contralateral healthy physis served as an internal control. Physeal bar size was quantified as a percentage of the total physeal cross-sectional area. Spearman correlation was used to assess the relationship between physeal bar size and DTI metrics, including fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and tractography-derived parameters. RESULTS: Physeal bar size demonstrated a strong positive correlation with FA within the region of interest (ρ=+0.71) and a strong negative correlation with ADC (ρ=-0.77) and radial diffusivity (ρ=-0.80). As bar size increased, tract count (ρ=-0.60) and tract volume (ρ=-0.65) on the affected side decreased significantly. Furthermore, physeal bar size strongly correlated with the magnitude of side-to-side asymmetry, particularly for the relative difference in tract volume (ρ=+0.76) and tract count (ρ=+0.74) between the injured and healthy ankles. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study demonstrates that DTI can detect and quantify significant alterations in the distal tibial physis that correlate with the size of the physeal bar noted on conventional imaging. The observed changes in tissue anisotropy and diffusion tract metrics suggest that DTI may serve as a sensitive imaging biomarker for assessing the true extent of the physeal injury. This technique holds promise for enhancing the early diagnosis and monitoring of pediatric growth disturbances. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

  PublisherDOI

• C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Derivatives: Orthopaedic Implications in Achondroplasia

  Journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America · 2026-03-19

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  The recent development of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) analogs to increase growth velocity in achondroplasia is now being used alongside limb lengthening procedures. Animal studies have shown that CNP analogs may affect bone density and the speed of callus consolidation during fracture healing. Although achondroplasia is primarily associated with a defect in endochondral ossification, pharmaceutical treatments for the condition may also influence intramembranous ossification. The availability of these nonsurgical treatments warrants further investigation into their potential impact on surgical risks and outcomes. Data suggest that they may affect bone quality, healing, and anatomical parameters such as medullary canal area, which could influence treatment decisions and surgical planning. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on CNP analog pathways and their intersection with biological processes involved in the surgical management of children with achondroplasia. Key Concepts: (1)CNP-NPR-B activation boosts bone mineral density and improves fracture healing in mouse models.(2)CNP analogs are now used to treat achondroplasia, which could affect surgical limb lengthening procedures.(3)Clinicians should consider reporting bone healing features like callus quality and consolidation indices during bone healing to enhance our understanding of how pharmacotherapeutics may affect surgical outcomes.

  PublisherDOI

• Information Transparency for Elective Stature Lengthening Surgery: A Secret Shopper Study

  Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction · 2025-08-18

  reviewOpen accessSenior author

  Background: Elective stature lengthening (ESL) has gained popularity among individuals seeking to increase their height. Despite its growing appeal, online information about ESL often lacks consistency and transparency. This study evaluates the quality and comprehensiveness of online resources available to prospective patients, focusing on clarity in communication, cost, recovery expectations, and complications. Methods: Using a secret shopper methodology, we contacted 27 eligible orthopaedic practices globally that offered ESL, posing as a healthy 35-year-old male seeking ESL. Practices were contacted via email and follow-up phone calls using a standardised script. Responses were analysed to evaluate the availability, depth, and variability of information on key topics, including surgery duration, recovery time, cost, insurance coverage, and complications. Results: Contact was successfully established with 17 (63%) of practices. However, only 3/27 (11%) of the contacted practices answered all scripted questions. Cost estimates varied substantially, ranging from $15,000 to $150,118 (mean = $77,133, SD = $35,603.58). Recovery time was similarly variable, ranging from 2 to 365 days (mean = 202 days, SD = 137.27). Crucial details, such as patient eligibility and potential complications, were frequently omitted. Conclusion: The study highlights a critical need for improved transparency and standardisation in online resources for ESL. Addressing these gaps could enhance patient trust, satisfaction, and informed decision-making, underscoring the importance of establishing guidelines for consistent communication in this emerging field. How to cite this article: . Information Transparency for Elective Stature Lengthening Surgery: A Secret Shopper Study. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2025;20(1):31-36.

  PublisherDOI

• Clinical Faceoff: The Role of Elective Bilateral Lower Limb Lengthening for Gaining Height

  Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research · 2025-02-06 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Correlation of the LLRS-AIM Index With LD-SRS and PROMIS in Pediatric Patients With Lower Limb Differences

  Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics · 2025-04-09

  articleSenior author

  BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society AIM (LLRS-AIM) index, a scale for grading the severity of lower limb deformities by the physician, and its concordance with 2 patient-reported outcome measures, the Limb Deformity-Scoliosis Research Society (LD-SRS) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) tools in pediatric patients with lower limb differences. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients 18 years old or younger who presented to our institution with lower limb differences for surgical reconstruction between 2019 and 2024. All patients received the LD-SRS and PROMIS for completion before surgery. The LLRS-AIM index for patients was assessed by 2 independent evaluators, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) calculated to determine inter-rater agreement. Spearman correlations were performed between the LLRS-AIM Index with all LD-SRS and PROMIS domains. The Benjamini-Hochberg procedure was conducted to reduce the false discovery rate. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients were included in this study. The LLRS-AIM Index had good and near-perfect inter-rater reliability across different levels of medical training (ICC=0.9). Overall, there were no correlations between the LLRS-AIM Index with LD-SRS and PROMIS domains (LD-SRS function: P=-0.26, P=0.18; PROMIS pain interference: P=0.10, P=0.63). Mental health-related LD-SRS and PROMIS domains showed no correlations with the physician-reported LLRS-AIM index (LD-SRS self image: P=0.10, P=0.63; PROMIS depression: P=-0.05, P=0.63). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high level of reproducibility for the LLRS-AIM index to evaluate the complexity of lower limb differences in pediatric patients. However, there are no correlations between the LLRS-AIM index with LD-SRS and PROMIS across all relevant domains. Further modifications to the LLRS-AIM index criteria and scoring weights may allow it to better assess patient outcomes in the pediatric population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

  PublisherDOI

• Online Information Regarding Elective Lower Limb Lengthening for Stature Enhancement: Quality, Variability, and Trends

  Journal of Limb Lengthening & Reconstruction · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Context: Patients seeking elective surgery for stature lengthening, a controversial topic, often rely on online searches for medical information. Aims: This study investigates the quality and variability of online information regarding limb lengthening to increase stature and examines trends in related online searches. Settings and Design: A systematic web search was conducted to identify websites offering cosmetic limb lengthening. An extraction template was used to summarize each eligible website. Materials and Methods: The quality and reliability of each site was assessed using the DISCERN instrument, a validated tool for assessing the quality of consumer health information across 16 domains with scores ranging from 16 (least favorable) to 80 (most favorable). Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics were used for this study. Results: The search found 36 websites offering cosmetic limb lengthening. The United States (14) and Turkey (7) had the highest number of websites. The mean total DISCERN score was 46.5 (Range: 26.5–63). Most websites mentioned surgical complications (89%) and rehabilitation requirements (81%), but fewer reported costs (47%). From January 2016 to March 2024, search terms such as “limb lengthening,” “height lengthening,” and “taller surgery” increased by 2.59, 2.67, and 1.83-fold, respectively. Conclusions: There is variability in the quality, reliability, and content of online information about limb lengthening for stature enhancement. Consensus guidelines from professional organizations may improve the public-facing online content available to individuals seeking cosmetic limb lengthening.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Caixia Zhao

  125 shared

• Bensen Fan

  Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children

  58 shared

• Jason Yongsheng Chan

  National Cancer Centre Singapore

  25 shared

• Tamir Bloom

  Orthopedic Center

  24 shared

• Samir Sabharwal

  Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

  23 shared

• Folorunsho Edobor‐Osula

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  20 shared

• Dror Paley

  St. Mary's Medical Center

  17 shared

• John E. Herzenberg

  Sinai Hospital

  17 shared

Education

• Other, Medical

  Maulana Azad Medical College

  1985

Awards & honors

• Past President of the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction So…
• Member of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America…
• Member of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)