Clinical Focus

  • Orthopaedic Sports Medicine

Academic Appointments

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations

  • Member, Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (2022 - Present)
  • Member, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (2017 - Present)
  • Member, American Academy of Pediatrics (2016 - Present)

Professional Education

  • Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics, Sports Medicine (2022)
  • Fellowship: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship (2020) PA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics, Pediatrics (2019)
  • Residency: Phoenix Children's Hospital Pediatric Residency (2019) AZ
  • Medical Education: Medical College of Georgia Registrar (2016) GA
  • BS, Saint Louis University, Neuroscience (2012)

Contact

  • Academic
    abalaji1@stanford.edu
    University - Academic staff Department: Orthopaedic Surgery Position: Clinical Assistant Professor
  • Clinical (Primary)  Pleasant Hill Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic 3480 Buskirk Ave Ste 125 MC 5980 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 322-8492 (fax)

Additional Clinical Info

Additional Info

Links

All Publications

  • On-Field Diagnosis and Management of Sports-Related Concussion in Pediatric Athletes. Video journal of sports medicine Balaji, A., Martin, G., Chidester, J. S., Harbacheck, K. G., Cardenas, P., Mock, S., Shea, K. G. 2025; 5 (2): 26350254241284813

    Abstract

    In pediatric sports medicine, the accurate diagnosis of sports-related concussions (SRCs) relies on keen observation and precise evaluation during athletic endeavors. Unlike many medical conditions, SRC is not readily diagnosed through traditional imaging studies or laboratory tests.The absence of objective diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of concussion emphasizes the critical need for a set of evidence-based examination skills to empower health care professionals, including physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers, in making reliable diagnoses.At the forefront of the essential examination skills is the Vestibulo-Ocular Motor Screen (VOMS), a recognized and valuable tool for both diagnosing and monitoring the recovery of individuals affected by SRC. This video presentation aims to offer a comprehensive exploration of the neurologic domains most frequently impacted in pediatric patients experiencing SRCs. Furthermore, it provides a detailed and insightful guide on the proper execution of the VOMS examination.Upon watching the video, viewers will acquire the skills to discern SRCs in young athletes. This information is most important for health care professionals who are tasked with recognizing and promptly removing pediatric athletes suspected to have a SRC, as well as monitor their recovery and assess their readiness to return to competition.The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/26350254241284813

    View details for PubMedID 40308990

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11949915

  • Common Fractures Netter's Pediatrics Balaji, A., Jarrett, S. 2023
  • Subclinical Vestibular Deficits Illustrated in Patients With Exercise Intolerance After mTBI Using Force Plate Protocols Mortazavi, M., Marx, T. R., Streeter, L., Balaji, A., Dusenberry, B., Maes, L., Pita, M. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2022: S4-S5

    View details for Web of Science ID 000747007000008

  • Late Exercise Tolerance Testing Using a Dynamic High Intensity Interval Multidirectional Movement Protocol Mortazavi, M., Paulsen, K., Marx, T. R., Other, M., Maes, L., Balaji, A., Streeter, L., Dusenberry, B. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2022: S8

    View details for Web of Science ID 000747007000016

  • Preparticipation Physical Evaluation Pediatric Orthopaedics and Sports Injuries, A Quick Reference Guide Balaji, A., Grady, M. 2021
  • Retrospective Review of Clinical and Chest X-Ray Findings in Children Admitted to a Community Hospital for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection CLINICAL PEDIATRICS Niles, D., Larsen, B., Balaji, A., Delaney, D., Campos, E., Bhattarai, B., Shoshan, D., Connell, M., Ostovar, G. 2018; 57 (14): 1686-1692

    Abstract

    We performed a retrospective study to evaluate demographics, clinical course, outcome, and radiological findings of children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.Four hundred patients admitted between October 2013 and May 2016 were enrolled. Clinical and radiographic trends were evaluated for association with severity of RSV presentation. Severity was defined as hospitalization >2 days, pediatric intensive care unit admission, or need for mechanical ventilation.Common clinical findings included fever (78.5%), coughing (97%), rhinorrhea/congestion (93%), and hypoxia (44.8%). Hypoxia was seen in 64.7% of the severe group compared with 32.0% in the nonsevere group ( P < .001). Airspace opacification was seen in 49.2% of chest X-rays of the severe group compared with 26.4% in the nonsevere group ( P < .001).Higher incidence of hypoxia or airspace opacification on chest X-ray may be predictors of poorer outcomes for patients with RSV infection.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/0009922818795902

    View details for Web of Science ID 000450313900011

    View details for PubMedID 30173563

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5758-2318