Editorial

Ease of Submission and Rapid Publication

Robert D. D'Ambrosia, MD

  • Orthopedics
  • May 2009 - Volume 32 · Issue 5:
  • DOI:

In January 2008, Orthopedics set out on a mission to revolutionize the peer-reviewed publication, and in the process give readers up-to-date, practical information. The challenge the publication faced was how to bring science to its readers while the science was still new. Taking a big leap, Orthopedics promised not only to shorten the turnaround time from submission to publication, but it guaranteed that, if accepted, an article would be published in 10 weeks.

In unprecedented fashion, articles submitted as of January 1, 2008, underwent classic peer review and, if accepted, were published within 10 weeks of their submission. Creating the ideal venue for groundbreaking studies, Orthopedics now guarantees immediate publication: once a manuscript is accepted, it is published in the very next issue of Orthopedics. No delay, no backlog, no old science.

Extended Abstracts

Orthopedics is now offering Feature Articles and Case Reports as 1-page extended abstracts in print, with the full-text articles on ORTHOSuperSite.com. Extended abstracts include a fully searchable Web link, making it easy for readers to find the complete article online. All articles are also cited in Medline.

Backlog

Prior to launching the online initiative, Orthopedics had a backlog of >200 accepted Feature Articles and Case Reports. Today the backlog is nonexistent. This is due in part to the ability to publish twice as many articles per issue as before. In 1 year, Orthopedics successfully eliminated the backlog while staying on course to publish articles within 10 weeks. Such success is unprecedented.

Peer Review

The peer-review process for any journal can be lengthy. In order to achieve success with the 10-week online publishing initiative, Orthopedics added a Review Panel of experts to help shorten submission turnaround time. Since January 2008, the average time from submission to publication has been 8 weeks.

The Future

Orthopedics remains on target to continue publishing accepted Feature Articles and Case Reports within 10 weeks of submission. As the needs of our readers change, we will continue to explore new options and ideas to allow for easier and quicker access to articles. What do you think of this new process? We would love to hear from you, our readers. We welcome your letters and encourage the submission of your manuscripts on groundbreaking studies. We guarantee an instant audience.

The Bottom Line
  • Accepted Feature Articles and Case Reports are guaranteed publication within 10 weeks of submission.
  • All articles are cited in Medline.
  • To submit your manuscript, visit www.rapidreview.com.
  • For more information, visit ORTHOSuperSite.com.

Author

Dr D’Ambrosia is Editor-in-Chief, Orthopedics.

Dr D’Ambrosia has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

doi:

Healio is intended for health care provider use and all comments will be posted at the discretion of the editors. We reserve the right not to post any comments with unsolicited information about medical devices or other products. At no time will Healio be used for medical advice to patients.