Q&A with Dr. Sanjeev Sabharwal, New Editor of JBJS Reviews

As part of the “Inside JBJS” series on OrthoBuzz, we are pleased to introduce the new Editor of JBJS Reviews, Sanjeev Sabharwal, MD, MPH. Dr. Sabharwal stepped into his role as Editor in January, succeeding Dr. Thomas Einhorn, Founding Editor of JBJS Reviews.

In this interview, Dr. Sabharwal discusses his work in pediatric orthopaedic surgery, how he became involved with JBJS, expanded areas of focus for JBJS Reviews, and current challenges and opportunities in scholarly publishing. Readers are invited to help shape the next phase of JBJS Reviews using the survey link provided following the interview.

Please share with readers your roles in orthopaedic surgery.

I am a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon with a focus on limb deformities and have been in practice for 30 years. I currently serve as Professor of Orthopaedics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and Director of the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Center at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland. I moved to California in 2018 from Rutgers University (formerly UMDNJ), where I was a full-time faculty member and Chief of Pediatric Orthopaedics for over 2 decades.

My leadership roles have included Past President of the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society (LLRS); Chair of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA)’s Committee of Underserved Regions (now POGO [Pediatric Orthopaedic Global Outreach]); Orthopaedic Residency Program Director and Vice Chair for Education; and Director of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship. I am also the sole Honorary Member of the Paediatric Orthopaedic Society of India (POSI) and have served as an oral examiner for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) since 2010. These roles have provided invaluable opportunities to learn, contribute, and build lasting professional relationships.

How did you first get involved with JBJS, and what prior roles have you held?

My involvement began with a chance conversation at the 2009 POSNA Annual Meeting, where I met Dr. Vern Tolo, then Deputy Editor for Pediatrics at JBJS. I expressed interest in reviewing for The Journal and soon began doing so. While reviewing manuscripts, I realized my statistical knowledge was limited, which prompted me to pursue an MPH focused on quantitative methodology.

Later, following discussions within LLRS about establishing a stronger scholarly presence, I proposed a “What’s New” section on Limb Lengthening and Deformity Correction. I was appointed the inaugural subspecialty editor for that section (2010-2015), which continues today.

In 2013, Dr. Tolo invited me to serve as Deputy Editor for JBJS Current Concepts Reviews, as Dr. Tom Einhorn transitioned to lead the newly launched JBJS Reviews. I was honored to accept. After more than 12 years as Deputy Editor under Dr. Tolo and Dr. Marc Swiontkowski, I am grateful to Dr. Mo Bhandari and JBJS leadership for the opportunity to now serve as Editor of JBJS Reviews.

What attracted you to your new role as Editor of JBJS Reviews?

The JBJS editorial board is an intellectually vibrant and collegial group committed to excellence. Over the years, I have come to appreciate the rigor of the peer-review and editorial processes that define the JBJS platform.

I recognize the pivotal role that Dr. Tom Einhorn played in successfully leading a brand-new journal in a very competitive space. I am both humbled and excited to follow his lead yet again, as I did in 2013, when I took on Tom’s previous role as the Deputy Editor for JBJS Current Concepts Reviews.

What orthopaedic topics are you especially excited to highlight?

We aim to keep JBJS Reviews relevant to practicing surgeons, trainees, and early-career orthopaedists worldwide. Our mission remains to improve musculoskeletal health globally by delivering gold-standard educational resources.

We are particularly interested in fostering bidirectional learning. Topics such as fracture malunions and nonunions, musculoskeletal sepsis, skeletal tuberculosis, and value-based care offer opportunities for shared insights between surgeons practicing in resource-limited and highly resourced environments. We also plan to introduce commentaries presenting diverse perspectives on timely themes.

What are the biggest challenges or opportunities today for surgeons, researchers, and authors?

Artificial intelligence represents both challenge and opportunity. The rapid ability to generate reviews—even meta-analyses—raises concerns about misinformation and academic integrity. Journals, including JBJS Reviews, are actively addressing these risks.

Conversely, responsible AI use—such as language editing support for non-English-speaking authors, with appropriate disclosure—may be beneficial.

Additional challenges include ensuring that trainees master foundational knowledge amid rapidly evolving technologies, and keeping review content relevant and digestible in an era of shortened attention spans. While delivery methods may evolve, our commitment to rigor and patient-centered impact remains constant.

What inspires you as an orthopaedic surgeon?

The privilege of helping restore form and function continues to inspire me. As a pediatric orthopaedist, I am constantly struck by the resilience of children and the trust placed in us by patients and families.

Working with trainees—particularly those who are curious, have cultural humility, and are willing to challenge dogma—is another enduring source of professional fulfillment.

Outside of work, what are your interests?

I enjoy nature walks, short hikes, and reflective time—though not as consistently as I would like. I also play ping-pong when my joints cooperate. Most importantly, my wife and I cherish time with our 3 grandchildren and take great joy in watching our children grow into their adult roles.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We are expanding the JBJS Reviews editorial board. As of March 1, 2026, Dr. Ron Navarro will serve as the first Deputy Editor of JBJS Reviews. A respected leader in sports medicine and shoulder surgery, he has held leadership roles within Kaiser Permanente and currently serves as President of the American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons.

We also plan to expand our Associate Editor group, including representation for trainees, surgeons practicing in resource-limited settings, and experts in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

I am grateful to Dr. Bhandari and the JBJS leadership team for their support, and I thank Christina Nelson and Meg Clark of the JBJS editorial staff for their invaluable behind-the-scenes contributions.

We welcome suggestions from our readers regarding topics, formats, and nominations for reviewers or editorial board members as we shape the next phase of JBJS Reviews.

Thank you, Dr. Sabharwal!

Help Shape JBJS Reviews: Survey Now Available

Readers, let us know your thoughts. JBJS Reviews welcomes your feedback and input. Follow this link to participate in the JBJS Reviews survey: Help Shape JBJS Reviews