Viewpoint, a new type of Arthroplasty Today manuscript

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.