Article types
Acta Orthopaedica publishes various types of articles; please refer to the information below.
For all types, we have no limit on the number of authors.
Regarding the specific instructions, please read the instructions for authors.
|
ARTICLE TYPE |
WORD LIMIT |
NEEDS ABSTRACT |
LIMIT TABLES / FIGURES |
LIMIT REFERENCES |
|
Original articles |
3,300 |
Yes |
Max 5 of each. Extra supplementary |
25 |
|
Review articles |
3,300 |
Yes |
Max 5 of each. Extra supplementary |
No |
|
Educationals |
3,300 |
No |
Max 5 of each. Extra supplementary |
25 |
|
Case/Technical reports |
1,200 |
At submission |
Max 2 of each. Extra supplementary |
10 |
|
Editorials |
1,200 |
No |
No |
10 |
|
Perspectives |
1,200 |
No |
0 |
10 |
|
Letter to the editor |
500 |
No |
No |
10 |
Review articles
Review articles synthesize existing research to provide comprehensive and structured summaries of evidence. They help identify gaps in knowledge, guide clinical or policy decision-making, and inform future research. Different types of reviews vary in scope, methodology, and intended purpose.
Systematic Review
A systematic review uses explicit, predefined methods to select, appraise, and synthesize all relevant studies addressing a specific research question. Its structured approach minimizes bias and provides a reliable summary of available evidence.
Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
When included studies report comparable quantitative data, a meta-analysis may be conducted to statistically pool effect estimates. This approach increases precision, offers a more robust assessment of the overall effect and allows identification and assessment of heterogeneity by e.g. subgroup analyses or meta-regression.
Systematic Review with Network Meta-analysis (NMA)
A network meta-analysis allows for the simultaneous comparison of multiple interventions, including those not directly compared in head-to-head trials.
Scoping Review
A scoping review explores and maps the breadth of evidence on a broad or emerging topic. It is particularly useful for clarifying key concepts, outlining research trends, and identifying evidence gaps. Scoping reviews generally do not assess risk of bias or perform meta-analysis.
Rapid Review
A rapid review employs streamlined or accelerated methods derived from systematic review procedures to deliver evidence in a shorter timeframe. Despite the expedited process, transparency in methods and justification for any methodological shortcuts are essential.
A review article is limited to 3300 words, maximum 5 figures and 5 tables, but up to 40 references. References of papers cited in the text will appear in the article. References of included manuscripts could be uploaded as supplementary files.
In alignment with open-science principles, authors are strongly encouraged to deposit datasets, extraction forms, analytic code, and other relevant review materials into reputable, publicly accessible repositories (e.g., Open Science Framework).
Educationals
An Acta educational article is usually solicited and illuminates topics in any area within orthopedic surgery. The authors discuss for and against different approaches and, when appropriate, suggest treatment algorithms. The articles have a clear educational perspective with focus on common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Educational articles are usually initiated by the editorial board in collaboration with the national societies of NOF. The author groups usually consist of NOF members and at least one recognized expert from a non-NOF country to get an international perspective.
An article has a limit of 3300 words, a maximum of 10 figures, tables or text boxes and up to 40 references. Additional material can be uploaded as supplementary files. We encourage the submission of videos showing examinations, surgical techniques etc. Videos will be included in the peer review process.
All articles are reviewed by members of the editorial board as well as external reviewers. Educational article can be included in SoMe activities where authors are asked to participate in podcasts/interviews and in promotion activities.
Case/Technical reports
A Case report should include new educational material and may describe:
- Unique features or diagnostic/therapeutic approaches of a disease or injury
- An unexpected association between diseases or symptoms
- An unexpected event in the course of observing or treating a patient
- Findings that shed new light on the pathogenesis of a disease
Otherwise, case or technical reports are not considered for publication in Acta Orthopaedica.
The published case report has no abstract and no introduction. It starts with the case story and ends with a discussion. However, a short abstract is required (for reviewer reasons) in the manuscript you submit.
Case and technical reports are 1200-word articles with a maximum of 3 figures and 3 tables with no more than 10 references
Editorials
Editorials are usually solicited.
We welcome you to pitch us your idea for an editorial. A member of the editorial team will let you know if we wish to encourage the submission of your suggestion.
Editorials usually respond to a topical issue. They must be written with an international general medical audience in mind.
We particularly value editorials authored or co-authored by persons by leaders within an area.
Authors must declare their conflicts of interest and obtain approval before submission.
Editorials are 1200-word articles with no more than 10 references and no figures or tables.
Perspectives
Perspectives highlight recent exciting research, whether published in Acta Orthopaedica or another journal. Perspectives should add a dimension to the research and not merely sum up other papers. They may explain the orthopedic importance of new findings within a field or comment on the potential interdisciplinary significance. Perspectives may also call attention to matters of orthopedic interest not necessarily related to recent publications. A Perspective may also propose a new hypothesis or discuss the implications of innovations. Suggestions for Perspectives are peer reviewed and may be subject to editorial revision.
A perspective is limited to 1,200 words, no figures or tables, but up to 10 references.
Letter to the editor
A letter to the editor is a vital part of an interaction with its readers. This feature provides a forum for readers to comment on and criticize published articles. A member of the editorial team will consider the letter for publication. If accepted, it allows the authors of the articles to respond when questions are raised by the letter writer.
A letter to the editor is limited to 500 words, no figures or tables, but up to 10 references
