Arthroplasty Today has published our first 2 Viewpoint manuscripts in the June 2019 [1] and September 2019 [2] editions.
A Viewpoint submission presents an opinion and critical analysis of a current issue of strong interest to the readership. It is expected to put forth an accurate and scholarly summary of the topic.
A Viewpoint submission is a narrative that offers the opinion of a member or members of the arthroplasty community where intriguing, stimulating, controversial, or insightful ideas are presented. These discussions on healthcare policy, economics, ethics, decision-making, volunteerism, or the occupational challenges of surgical staff, for example, may not necessarily be endorsed by Arthroplasty Today or the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. The authors should build a concise argument that tries to influence readership opinion, encourage critical thinking, and inspire readers to take action. This format has an introduction, body, and conclusion; objectively explains a timely issue; often references conflicting viewpoints; and takes a pro-active approach to better the problem presented (by giving constructive criticism). Each manuscript will be peer-reviewed and edited before publication. Viewpoint manuscripts are ideally 1000 words or fewer.
The paper by Pean et al [1], in the June edition, “Policy and ethical considerations for the widespread utilization of generic orthopedic implants,” represents a “pro and con” manuscript reviewing the use of generic implants as a strategy to decrease implant expenditures in orthopedics. The authors present a detailed analysis of the economic, ethical, and regulatory factors that ought to be considered in a decision to introduce generic implants.
The September Arthroplasty Today Viewpoint paper by Hooper et al [2], “Total joint arthroplasty in the public hospitals of Port-au-Prince, Haiti: our experience,” is a “summary” type manuscript outlining one thoughtful approach to orthopedic volunteerism in a developing nation. The authors present their approach to introducing new orthopedic services while focusing on a sustainable program of teaching that supports, rather than displaces, practicing Haitian surgeons. They also review the practical and ethical arguments of introducing a technology like arthroplasty (which is susceptible to infection failures) in a developing country that currently lacks state-of-the-art infection minimization medications, technologies, and strategies.
As Arthroplasty Today approaches the end of its 5th year of publication, we now have a comprehensive set of manuscript types to support and engage our readership. With the introduction of the Viewpoint option for submission, we have 10 different types of open-access papers that authors can submit through the “For Authors” section of our website arthroplastytoday.org. Please consider submitting your Viewpoint manuscript for publication in our journal.
Footnotes
One or more of the authors of this paper have disclosed potential or pertinent conflicts of interest, which may include receipt of payment, either direct or indirect, institutional support, or association with an entity in the biomedical field which may be perceived to have potential conflict of interest with this work. For full disclosure statements refer to https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artd.2019.07.006.
Appendix A. Supplementary data
References
- 1.Pean C.A., Lajam C., Zuckerman J., Bosco J. Policy and ethical considerations for widespread utilization of generic orthopedic implants. Arthroplasty Today. 2019;5:256. doi: 10.1016/j.artd.2019.02.007. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 2.Hooper J., Israelski R.H., Schwarzkopf R. Total joint arthroplasty in the public hospitals of Port-au-Prince, Haiti: our experience. Arthroplasty Today. 2019;5(3):376. doi: 10.1016/j.artd.2019.07.007. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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