What can we Expect from the ORTOJ?
The ORTOJ is being launched at a time when many of the existing journals publish
articles relevant either to the developed world or the developing world.
Thus a journal that addresses both worlds is much needed.
Indeed ORTOJ, with its wide vision, will be able to address all aspects of orthopedics
and trauma, satisfying the interest of readers around the globe. We are aware that, different
areas of the globe differ in their disease makeup, health care levels and systems.
Although these differences apply for health disciplines in general, they are more obvious in orthopedics
and trauma in particular. For instance in many areas in the developing world, Sudan as an example,
seeing and managing neglected late presenting cases or cases seen by bone setters first
is the rule.
Even children disabilities are taken care of soon after birth by untrained personnel.
Compared to other developed areas with good health system and people awareness were even
tertiary care is available in a location accessible for almost all population.
Thus researches addressing neglected cases although of little value at some parts of the developed world, is
highly appreciated in the developing world. Indeed this difference in levels of the first care will
affect publications and research topics.
In most of European, American and other developed
countries, a trained orthopedic and trauma surgeon will see the patient first,
whereas a pediatric orthopedic unit will be usually the second if not the first level of health care,
compared to developing countries where either a native bone setter or a general medical assistant is the first
level of health care.
Orthop Res Traumatol Open J. 2015; 1(1): e5-e6. doi: 10.17140/ORTOJ-1-e002
