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Journal Of Trauma And Acute Care Surgery

The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery publishes work in the fields of trauma and acute care surgery. The journal releases 12 issues per year and reports an Impact Factor of 3.7, with rankings of 14/62 in Critical Care Medicine and 33/312 in Surgery.

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Subject Critical Care Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Surgery
Impact Factor 3.7
Quartile Q1
Open Access Type Closed
ISSN 2163-0755
eISSN 2163-0763
Invitation Only No
Cost Range Hybrid OA; APC set by Wolters Kluwer (amount not listed here). Print color figures: $750 first, $250 each additional; members of affiliated societies receive 2 eligible color figures free.

Submission Instructions

Journal Of Trauma And Acute Care Surgery accepts the following article types. Click on an article type to view submission instructions.

Original Research

Cover Letter A cover letter is required and must include the full title, article type, confirmation of originality/preprint disclosure, the journal’s self‑blinding attestation, and corresponding author contact. Note any affiliated‑society membership to request color fee waivers.
Title Page Upload a separate Title Page with full title, word count, short title, all authors’ names/degrees/affiliations/emails (ORCID at minimum for the corresponding author), corresponding author contact, reprint address, funding and COI statements (noting that JTACS COI forms are supplied as SDC), authorship contributions, and meeting presentation (if any).
Abstract A structured abstract (max 300 words) is required using Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions, plus Level of Evidence and Study Type at the end.
Main Manuscript Headings Follow IMRaD structure with Background, Methods, Results, and Discussion. Define abbreviations on first use and ensure sequential citation numbering.
Reference Format Format references per AMA 11th edition (Vancouver style), cited in order of appearance; list up to 6 authors then et al. Limit: 50 references.
Figures Upload figures as separate high‑resolution files (TIF/EPS/JPEG; CMYK for color). Maximum of 6 figures/tables total and 4 panels per figure; ensure required resolutions (300/600/1200 dpi as applicable).
Tables Do not embed tables in the text. Place each table on a separate page at the end of the manuscript or in a separate file; number consecutively with titles and legends (within the 6 figure/table limit).
Additional Documents Upload completed JTACS COI forms for all authors as SDC. Include IRB approval statement in Methods, applicable EQUATOR checklist(s) as SDC, and CONSORT flow diagram (as a figure) and trial registration details for clinical trials. A visual abstract using the journal template is required.
Word Count Maximum 4,000 words (excluding abstract, authorship statement, references, tables, and figures).
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Systematic Review (with Meta-Analysis)

Cover Letter Include the self‑blinding attestation and corresponding author contact in the cover letter; disclose any preprint posting.
Title Page Upload a separate Title Page with author details, COI/funding statements, contributions, and required social media summary.
Abstract A structured abstract (max 300 words) is required; include Level of Evidence and Study Type and the registration number.
Main Manuscript Headings Organize per PRISMA (e.g., background, objectives, data sources, study eligibility, appraisal/synthesis methods, results, limitations, conclusions).
Reference Format AMA 11th edition; sequential citation. Limit: 80 references.
Figures Upload figures separately; include the PRISMA flow diagram as a figure. Up to 6 figures/tables total; adhere to resolution/panel limits.
Tables Place tables at the end or in a separate file; number consecutively within the 6 figure/table limit.
Additional Documents Upload PRISMA checklist and all authors’ JTACS COI forms as SDC. Include protocol/registration details in the manuscript.
Word Count Maximum 4,000 words (excluding abstract, authorship statement, references, tables, and figures).
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Systematic Review (without Meta-Analysis)

Cover Letter Provide the cover letter with self‑blinding attestation and corresponding author contact details.
Title Page Upload a separate Title Page with author information, COI/funding statements, and authorship contributions.
Abstract A structured abstract (max 300 words) is required; include Level of Evidence and Study Type and registration details if applicable.
Main Manuscript Headings Follow PRISMA‑consistent sections covering background, eligibility, methods, results, limitations, and conclusions.
Reference Format AMA 11th edition; sequential citation. Limit: 80 references.
Figures Upload figures separately; include a PRISMA flow diagram as a figure. Up to 6 figures/tables total.
Tables Place tables at the end or as a separate file; number consecutively within the 6 figure/table limit.
Additional Documents Upload PRISMA checklist and JTACS COI forms as SDC; provide protocol/registration information in the manuscript.
Word Count Maximum 4,000 words (excluding abstract, authorship statement, references, tables, and figures).
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Regular Review Articles

Cover Letter Provide a cover letter confirming the submission is invited or approved by the Editor‑in‑Chief, with the journal’s self‑blinding attestation and corresponding author contact.
Title Page Upload a separate Title Page with required author details, affiliations, COI/funding statements, and authorship contributions.
Abstract An unstructured summary abstract (max 300 words) is required.
Main Manuscript Headings No specific structure prescribed; organize logically to synthesize current knowledge.
Reference Format Use AMA 11th edition; cite references sequentially. Limit: 80 references.
Figures Upload figures separately (TIF/EPS/JPEG) following resolution and panel limits. Up to 6 figures/tables combined.
Tables Place tables at the end of the manuscript or as a separate file; number consecutively. Within the 6 figure/table limit.
Additional Documents All authors’ JTACS COI forms must be uploaded as SDC. Reporting checklists are not required unless applicable to included analyses.
Word Count Maximum 5,000 words (excluding abstract, authorship statement, references, tables, and figures).
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Scoping Reviews

Cover Letter Include a cover letter with the self‑blinding attestation and corresponding author details.
Title Page Provide a separate Title Page with author information, affiliations, COI/funding statements, and authorship contributions.
Abstract An unstructured summary abstract (max 300 words) is required.
Main Manuscript Headings Organize appropriately for a scoping review (e.g., background, objectives, methods following PRISMA‑ScR, results, and conclusions).
Reference Format AMA 11th edition with sequential citation. Limit: 50 references.
Figures Upload figures separately; a PRISMA‑style flow diagram is typically included as a figure. Up to 6 figures/tables total.
Tables Place tables at the end or as a separate file; number consecutively within the 6 figure/table limit.
Additional Documents Upload all authors’ JTACS COI forms as SDC and the completed PRISMA‑ScR checklist as SDC. Include any protocol/registration details within the manuscript.
Word Count Maximum 3,000 words (excluding abstract, authorship statement, references, tables, and figures).
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Brief Reports

Cover Letter Include a cover letter with the self‑blinding attestation and corresponding author contact.
Title Page Provide a separate Title Page with full author/affiliation and COI/funding details and authorship contributions.
Abstract A structured abstract (max 300 words) is required.
Main Manuscript Headings Use a concise structure appropriate to a short report; IMRaD is acceptable.
Reference Format AMA 11th edition; sequential citation. Limit: 20 references.
Figures Upload figures as separate files following resolution and panel limits. Up to 4 figures/tables total.
Tables Place tables at the end or as a separate file; number consecutively within the 4 figure/table limit.
Additional Documents Upload JTACS COI forms as SDC. Include IRB statement if applicable. Visual abstract is optional.
Word Count Maximum 2,000 words (excluding abstract, authorship statement, references, tables, and figures).
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Editorials

Cover Letter Include a brief cover letter identifying the editorial and corresponding author contact.
Title Page Provide a Title Page with author and affiliation details and any disclosures.
Abstract Abstracts are not required for editorials.
Main Manuscript Headings No prescribed structure; concise commentary format is expected.
Reference Format References are not expected (limit 0). If included, format per AMA 11th.
Figures Figures are not permitted for this type.
Tables Tables are not permitted for this type.
Additional Documents Upload JTACS COI forms as SDC.
Word Count Maximum 1,000 words.
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Letters to the Editor

Cover Letter Include a cover letter identifying the target article and corresponding author contact information.
Title Page Provide a Title Page with author names, affiliations, and disclosures.
Abstract Abstracts are not required for Letters to the Editor.
Main Manuscript Headings No specific structure; concise letter format engaging the published article.
Reference Format AMA 11th edition; sequential citation; include the citation of the discussed article. Limit: 5 references.
Figures Figures are not included for this type.
Tables Tables are not included for this type.
Additional Documents Upload JTACS COI forms as SDC.
Word Count Maximum 1,000 words.
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Recent Publications

Access to primary care is associated with improved long-term survival after severe traumatic injury

Elliott K. Yee, Darby Little, Stephanie A. Mason, Laura C. Rosella, Liisa Jaakkimainen, Brandon M. Zagorski, Gemma Postill, Avery B. Nathens, Bourke W. Tillmann, Barbara Haas

10.1097/ta.0000000000004866
View Publication

Response to the Letter to the Editor: Comments on “Evidence-based, cost-effective management of large bowel obstruction: An algorithm of the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Emergency General Surgery Algorithms Work Group”

Manuel Castillo-Angeles, Ali Salim

10.1097/ta.0000000000004859
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AAST pancreatic organ injury grading subcomittee reply to: “Blunt pancreatic injury: Navigating the gray zones of imaging and surgery”

David M. Notrica, Gail T. Tominaga, Joel A. Gross, Richard N. Southard, Mark E. McOmber, Marie Crandall, Rosemary Kozar, Krista L. Kaups, Kevin M. Schuster, Chad G. Ball

10.1097/ta.0000000000004886
View Publication

FEATURED ARTICLES FOR CME CREDIT 100.3 MARCH 2026

-

10.1097/01.ta.0001180516.09787.29
View Publication

Microvesicles in stored human whole blood increase thrombin generation via phosphatidylserine

Lindsey J. Wattley, Ryan Chae, Rebecca H. Schuster, Michael D. Goodman, Timothy A. Pritts

10.1097/ta.0000000000004834
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Frequently asked questions

Is Journal Of Trauma And Acute Care Surgery open access?

No, Journal Of Trauma And Acute Care Surgery is a subscription-based journal. Access to articles typically requires a subscription or individual purchase, though some content may be available through institutional access or after an embargo period.

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What is the impact factor of Journal Of Trauma And Acute Care Surgery?

The 2024 Journal Impact Factor (JIF) for Journal Of Trauma And Acute Care Surgery is 3.7. The impact factor is a measure of the frequency with which the average article in a journal has been cited in a particular year, and is often used as a proxy for the relative importance of a journal within its field.

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Does Journal Of Trauma And Acute Care Surgery require a cover letter?

Yes. A cover letter is required for all submissions and must include the full manuscript title, chosen article type, a statement confirming the work is original and noting any preprint posting, and the journal’s required self‑blinding attestation (“I, AUTHOR, have reviewed and edited the submission to omit any identifying information…”). It should also provide the corresponding author’s contact details and indicate affiliated‑society memberships (AAST, EAST, WTA, PTS, TAC, CWIS, ANZAST) if seeking print color figure fee waivers.

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How much does it cost to publish in Journal Of Trauma And Acute Care Surgery?

The journal is hybrid open access. Authors may choose open access on acceptance; the Article Processing Charge (APC) is set by Wolters Kluwer and must be paid within 30 days (exact amount not listed here). Open access articles are published under a CC BY‑NC‑ND license, and Read‑and‑Publish agreements may cover APCs for eligible authors at participating institutions. Color figures printed in the journal incur charges: $750 for the first color figure and $250 for each additional; members of affiliated societies receive two eligible color figures free of charge. Some figure types are printed in grayscale only regardless of membership. There are no stated page charges; standard permissions or reuse fees, if needed, are the responsibility of authors.

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Research Topics

Trauma and Emergency Care Studies Trauma, Hemostasis, Coagulopathy, Resuscitation Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation Abdominal Trauma and Injuries Trauma Management and Diagnosis