Overview
Submission Instructions
Recent Publications
Frequently Asked Questions
Research Topics
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JO
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American Volume) is part of the JBJS publishing platform focused on orthopaedics and related subspecialties, with related publications including JBJS Reviews, JBJS Open Access, JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques, JBJS Case Connector, and JBJS JOPA.
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Subject
Orthopedics, Surgery
Impact Factor
4.3
Quartile
Q1
Open Access Type
Closed
ISSN
0021-9355
eISSN
1535-1386
Invitation Only
No
Cost Range
The 2026 APC is $2,400 USD.
Submission Instructions
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery accepts the following article types. Click on an article type to view submission instructions.
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Cover Letter
Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract
A structured abstract is required. Structured abstract must not exceed 325 words, or 350 words if it includes summary demographic information as described for clinical research. Abstract must be structured in 5 paragraphs. Abstract headings must be Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions, and Level of Evidence or Clinical Relevance.
Manuscript
Manuscript must not exceed 2500 words. Manuscript body must include Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, and Discussion sections. Manuscript must include a CONSORT flow diagram as Figure 1 and, for clinical research, report demographic variables in the abstract and complete demographic information in the manuscript.
References
References must be in PubMed/Index Medicus format. References must be numbered in order of citation in the text, all references must be cited in the text, and journal citations must include all authors and complete page numbers.
Figures & Tables
No more than 5 tables and/or figures total are allowed. Figure legends must be placed at the end of the manuscript text file after the References section, while tables should be submitted in Word or Excel format. All figures and tables must be cited in numerical order in the text, and the CONSORT flow diagram must be submitted as Figure 1.
Observational Study
Cover Letter
Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract
A structured abstract is required. Structured abstract must not exceed 325 words, or 350 words if summary demographic information is included as described. Abstract must be structured in 5 paragraphs. Abstract headings must be Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions, and Level of Evidence or Clinical Relevance.
Manuscript
Manuscript must not exceed 2500 words. Manuscript should follow the STROBE format for cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies, and studies using routinely collected health data should use the RECORD guidelines. Manuscript text must include Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, and Discussion sections, and figure legends must appear at the end of the text file after the references.
References
References must be in PubMed/Index Medicus format. References must be numbered in order of citation in the text, all references must be cited in the text, and journal citations must include all authors and complete page numbers.
Figures & Tables
Observational Study manuscripts may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures in total. Figure legends must be included at the end of the manuscript text file after the references, while tables should be submitted as separate Word or Excel files. All figures must be cited in order in the text, and all tables must be cited in numerical order in the manuscript text.
Basic-Science Study
Cover Letter
Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract
A structured abstract is required. The structured abstract must not exceed 325 words. The abstract must be structured in 5 paragraphs. The abstract must use the headings Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions, and Level of Evidence or Clinical Relevance.
Manuscript
The manuscript must not exceed 2500 words. The manuscript body must include Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, and Discussion sections.
References
References must be in PubMed/Index Medicus format. References must be numbered in the order cited in the text, all references must be cited in the text, and journal citations must include all authors and complete page numbers.
Figures & Tables
The manuscript may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures total. Figure legends must be included at the end of the manuscript text file after the References section.
Evidence-Based Systematic Review (EBSR)
Cover Letter
Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract
A structured abstract is required. Structured abstract must not exceed 325 words, or 350 words if it includes summary demographic information as described for clinical research. Abstract must be structured in 5 paragraphs. Abstract headings must be Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions, and Level of Evidence or Clinical Relevance.
Manuscript
Manuscript must not exceed 2500 words. Manuscript must include Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, and Discussion sections and describe the data sources.
References
References must use PubMed/Index Medicus format. References must be numbered in order of citation in the text, all references must be cited in the text, and journal citations must include all authors and complete page numbers.
Figures & Tables
No more than 5 tables and/or figures may be included in total. Figure legends must be included at the end of the manuscript text file after the References section, while tables should be submitted as separate Word or Excel files. All figures and tables must be cited in numerical order in the text, and tables must have a descriptive title.
Survey Study
Cover Letter
Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract
A structured abstract is required. The structured abstract must not exceed 325 words, or 350 words if it includes summary demographic information as described in the race and ethnicity reporting guidance. The abstract must be structured in 5 paragraphs. The abstract must use the headings Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions, and Level of Evidence or Clinical Relevance.
Manuscript
The manuscript must not exceed 2500 words. The manuscript body must include Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, and Discussion sections.
References
References must be in PubMed/Index Medicus format. References must be numbered in order of citation in the text, all references must be cited in the text, and journal citations must include all authors and complete page numbers.
Figures & Tables
The manuscript may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures in total. Figure legends must appear at the end of the manuscript text file after the references, while tables should be submitted as separate Word or Excel files. All figures and tables must be cited in numerical order in the text, and tables must include a descriptive title.
Health Care Recommendation
Cover Letter
Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract
Structured abstract must not exceed 325 words, or 350 words if summary demographic information is included as specified for clinical research. Abstract must be structured in 5 paragraphs. Abstract must use the headings Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions, and Level of Evidence or Clinical Relevance.
Manuscript
Manuscript must not exceed 1500 words. Body text must include Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, and Discussion sections.
References
References must be in PubMed/Index Medicus format. References must be numbered in order of citation in the text, all references must be cited in the text, and journal citations must include all authors and complete page numbers.
Figures & Tables
Manuscript may include no more than 3 tables and/or figures in total. Figure legends must be included at the end of the manuscript text file after the References section.
Expert Review
Cover Letter
Cover Letter requirements are not specified.
Abstract
A bulleted abstract is required. Abstract must be bulleted rather than structured.
Manuscript
Manuscript must not exceed 3000 words. Manuscript text must include Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, and Discussion sections.
References
References must be in PubMed/Index Medicus format. References must be numbered in order of citation in the text, and every reference must be cited in the text.
Figures & Tables
No more than 5 tables and/or figures total are allowed. Figure legends must be placed at the end of the manuscript text file after the References section.
Recent Publications
Comparative Analysis of Immune Cell-Type Abundances in Periprosthetic Tissues Across Arthroplasty Failure Etiologies
Yicheng Li, Fei Wang, Yichang Li, Wenbo Mu, Baochao Ji, Xiaogang Zhang, Li Cao
10.2106/jbjs.25.01505
View Publication
Moving from Bedside to Bench, Increased Critical Shoulder Angle Impairs Tendon-to-Bone Healing in Rotator Cuff Repair in Rats
Paul C. Chin
10.2106/jbjs.25.01416
View Publication
Putting the Problem of Dislocation Following Total Hip Arthroplasty into Perspective by Recalling the Past
Raymond P. Robinson
10.2106/jbjs.25.01343
View Publication
Antimicrobial Resistance in Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Use Correct Definitions for Better Clinical Decisions
Fernando Baldy dos Reis, Mauro José Salles
10.2106/jbjs.25.01414
View Publication
Cost Analysis Is Foundational to Measuring Value
Charles S. Day, Ahmad H. Yousef
10.2106/jbjs.26.00229
View Publication
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to publish?
Published twice monthly on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
Reformat to Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery using Livewrite PremiumWhat are the publication costs?
The 2026 APC is $2,400 USD. The APC is charged on acceptance and must be paid in full within 30 days by credit card by the author, funding agency, or institution.
Reformat to Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery using Livewrite PremiumResearch Topics
Orthopaedic implants and arthroplasty
Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes
Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation
Bone fractures and treatments
Shoulder Injury and Treatment
Orthopedic Infections and Treatments
Hip disorders and treatments
Shoulder and Clavicle Injuries
Hip and Femur Fractures
Knee injuries and reconstruction techniques
Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology
Elbow and Forearm Trauma Treatment
Foot and Ankle Surgery
Spinal Fractures and Fixation Techniques
Nerve Injury and Rehabilitation
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Rehabilitation
Sarcoma Diagnosis and Treatment
Tendon Structure and Treatment
Bone Tumor Diagnosis and Treatments
Osteoarthritis Treatment and Mechanisms
Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Pathologies
Scoliosis diagnosis and treatment
Pelvic and Acetabular Injuries
Diversity and Career in Medicine
Musculoskeletal synovial abnormalities and treatments
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LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS