Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gianluca Testa | Artificial Intelligence in Pediatric Orthopedics | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor / Medical Director at University of Catania, Italy

Dr. Gianluca Testa is an accomplished academic and clinician, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the University of Catania. Since beginning his research career in January 2018, he has focused on advancing pediatric orthopaedics, neuromuscular disorders, geriatric frailty, and trauma care. His career reflects a balance between clinical practice and scholarly contribution, distinguished by extensive publications, editorial positions, and impactful international collaborations. Recognized for his excellence, Dr. Testa received the Best Young Researcher Award from the European Pediatric Orthopaedics Society (EPOS) in 2024. His work is marked by innovation in classification tools and survey methodologies in pediatric conditions.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Testa’s educational background supports his multidimensional research and clinical expertise. While specific degree details are not included in the provided document, his appointment as an Associate Professor by 2024 and continuous research involvement since 2018 confirm his advanced academic qualifications, likely including a medical degree and doctoral or postdoctoral specialization in orthopaedics. His career development reflects rigorous academic training in both theoretical and clinical aspects of musculoskeletal disorders.

Experience

With over seven years of formal research experience and current academic leadership, Dr. Testa has led or contributed to more than 110 research projects. He holds editorial roles at leading journals such as the World Journal of Orthopaedics and BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, as well as guest editorial positions for Journal of Clinical Medicine and Children (MDPI). His consultancy and collaboration extend to elite medical institutions, including the Gaslini Hospital and the University of Genoa, where he works closely with Prof. Federico Canavese on pediatric orthopaedics. Additionally, he has authored chapters in two academic books and published 115 peer-reviewed journal articles, illustrating a deep commitment to both knowledge creation and dissemination.

Research Interests

Dr. Testa’s research agenda centers around pediatric orthopaedics, neuromuscular disorders, geriatric frailty, and trauma. His contributions in pediatric orthopaedics are particularly impactful, including the development of a novel classification tool for pediatric flatfoot and initiation of two significant international surveys on flatfoot and supracondylar humerus fractures in children. His ability to integrate clinical insights with methodological rigor exemplifies his value as both a scientist and a physician. Through his research, Dr. Testa aims to improve diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic protocols, and long-term outcomes in musculoskeletal health.

Awards

Dr. Testa’s scholarly and clinical excellence was recognized in 2024 when he received the Best Young Researcher Award from the European Pediatric Orthopaedics Society (EPOS). This honor underscores his innovative contributions and leadership in orthopaedic research. In addition to this award, he is actively seeking further recognition under the AI Data Scientist Awards for the categories of Best Researcher Award and Young Scientist Award.

Publications

• The use of external fixation for the correction of recurrent clubfoot: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Authors: Vaccalluzzo M.S., Testa G., Sodano A., Caldaci A., Pavone V.

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Modified Transtibial Technique: Outcomes and Return to Sport in Athletes

  • Authors: Russo A., Costa G.G., Musumeci M.A., Sapienza M., Pavone V.

  • Journal: Healthcare (Switzerland), 2025

• Femoral Neck Fractures in Elderly Patients: Dual Mobility Cup Arthroplasty or Hemiarthroplasty? A Narrative Review of the Literature

  • Authors: Cicio C., Testa G., Salvo G., Pavone V., Sapienza M.

• A Systematic Review Comparing Conservative and Surgical Approaches in the Management of Patellofemoral Instability

  • Authors: Pavone V., Perricone E., Pirrone G.S., Sapienza M., Testa G.

• Comparison between unilateral and bilateral clubfoot treated with Ponseti method at walking age: static and dynamic assessment

  • Authors: Sapienza M., Testa G., Vescio A., Canavese F., Pavone V.

  • Journal: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics Part B, 2025

• Pantalar Intact Dislocation: A Systematic Review

  • Authors: Dell’Agli E., Sapienza M., Castiglione M.D., Pavone V., Testa G.

• Use of Hexapod External Fixation in Limb Lengthening in Patients with Disproportionate Short Stature: A Systematic Review of the Last 20 Years

  • Authors: Testa G., Marchetti M., Sapienza M., Condorelli G., Pavone V.

Conclusion

Dr. Gianluca Testa embodies the qualities of a distinguished clinician-scientist with an international footprint in pediatric orthopaedics and trauma care. His multidimensional career is defined by scientific rigor, impactful collaborations, and leadership within the research community. From pioneering survey-based research to editorial responsibilities and novel classification systems, his contributions elevate the standards of care and scientific inquiry in musculoskeletal medicine. With 1429 citations and growing, Dr. Testa continues to influence both present and future generations in orthopaedic research and clinical excellence.