Our research focuses on application of the quantifiable parameters and analytic based decision-making methods using statistical and mathematical models and computer simulation in patients’ classification, outcome prediction, and surgical simulation. By applying analytics to historical data and parametric modeling this research intends to provide the caregivers and patients with quantitative information to facilitate informed decision-making and optimizing the patients’ outcome. Dr. Pasha’s multidisciplinary research is two-folded:

• To implement clinical data into quantitative characterization of development and progression of the skeletal deformities in pediatric population.

Longitudinal clinical data are implemented to provide insight into underlying pathomechanism of skeletal deformities development and its link with the abnormal growth patterns and bone morphology. This research can be integrated in patients’ specific clinical care to prevent excessive bone deformity in pediatric patients during growth. 

• To study the effectiveness of orthopedic treatments in pediatric population with a focus on patient outcome using longitudinal clinical data.

Recent advancement in medical devices and surgical techniques made several options available to pediatric orthopedic surgeons. A cohesive knowledge of how a specific condition in a patient can determine the treatment outcome will enhance the informed decision-making in orthopedic conditions.

Dr. Pasha’s research strives to provide scientific language and ready to use knowledge that can be disseminated for direct use in clinic.

Some of the on-going projects are listed below.

3D Analysis of Spinal Deformities in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS):

Although scoliosis is known as a 3D spinal deformity the clinical evaluations of the patients have been heavily based on 2D X-ray images of the spine. Our research intends to translate the available collective knowledge on AIS treatment from 2D to 3D. We focus on specifying parameters that can improve the patient characterization by use of advanced imaging modalities and analytical techniques. 

Bi-planar stereoradiography of the spine in standing position offers a low dose imaging technique and true 3D alignment of the spine and pelvis in AIS. Simultaneous radiography and postural balance assessment using a pressure mat makes it possible to integrate dynamic characteristics of the spino-pelvic kinematic chain into 3D postural analysis of the patients. 

Sport medicine: Gait and morphological analysis in knee and hip conditions

Gait analysis plays an important role in characterizing the lower limb conditions. The kinematic of the movement and how it associated with pain in patients can be only quantified through motion analysis. We further investigate the risk factors associated with hip and knee injuries in young athlete.  This ongoing project is made possible by the research facilities at Biedermann Lab at the University of Pennsylvania.

3D musculoskeletal imaging

As new technologies emerge in medical imaging, orthopedic surgeons strive to choose the most informative imaging modality for patient diagnostics. As a part of our research, we assess the reliability of imaging modalities i.e. CT scans, MRI, computed radiography and stereoradiography in clinical diagnostic of spine, hip, and knee pathologies. We particularly investigate the application of the bi-planar stereoradiography system and 3D models in standing radiography of the orthopedic conditions.