How Weight-Bearing CT Is Becoming a Useful Tool for Orthopedic Research and Fellowship Training

Advanced imaging does more than improve diagnosis—it can shape the entire research and educational environment within an orthopedic practice.

In this clinician spotlight, Jonathan Day, MD, MS, a foot and ankle research fellow, reflects on how early exposure to weight bearing CT influenced both his clinical development and his passion for research.

During his time at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City,, weight bearing CT became an integral part of both patient care and investigative work. The ability to acquire high-resolution images at the point of care allowed physicians to immediately review anatomy with patients, helping them better understand their pathology and treatment options during the clinic visit.

Beyond clinical practice, the technology supported multiple research initiatives, including projects involving artificial intelligence (AI), semi-automated measurements for clinical applications such as syndesmotic evaluation. Access to advanced imaging created opportunities to ask new research questions and explore applications that would be difficult to achieve with conventional imaging alone.

Now completing a research fellowship at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, he describes weight bearing CT as a resource that helps position the institution at the forefront of both orthopedic research and physician training.

For fellows seeking programs with strong academic and clinical opportunities, access to advanced imaging technologies can expand research possibilities while providing experience with tools that are increasingly becoming part of modern orthopedic practice.

As more institutions invest in weight bearing CT, they are creating environments where clinical care, education, and research reinforce one another. From point-of-care patient discussions to AI-enabled imaging research, weight-bearing CT is helping advance the future of foot and ankle care.

Watch the video to hear firsthand how access to weight bearing CT influenced one fellow’s clinical training, research experience, and vision for future practice.