JBJS Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants (JOPA) continues the tradition of recognizing outstanding papers each year. Awards are given for the best articles by certified practicing physician assistants (PAs) or nurse practitioners (NPs), and students published during the previous calendar year. OrthoBuzz is pleased to spotlight the 2023 winners. Submissions are open for 2024.
In a recent editorial announcing the JOPA Writing Award winners, JOPA Editor Dagan Cloutier, PA-C reflects on the journal’s growth over the years:
“Over the past 8 years, JBJS Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants (JOPA) has remained uniquely dedicated to publishing high-quality orthopaedic educational content for PAs. In that time, the author pool for JOPA has become more diverse, with orthopaedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, PAs, and nurse practitioners (NPs), all contributing to the journal. This diverse roster will be a growing strength for JOPA as we strive to publish foundational orthopaedic knowledge that is desired by our core PA and NP audience.”
Read the full editorial for more details about the awards as well as stipends available to JOPA reviewers who submit their own work to the journal.
Congratulations to the 2023 JOPA Award winners:
“Prompt Recognition: 5 Pediatric Elbow Fractures Not to Miss” by Sarah Bolander, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, and Gretchen Post, MS, PA-C
This article provides an overview of 5 pediatric elbow injuries that require prompt recognition and management: supracondylar fracture; lateral condylar fracture; medial epicondylar fracture; olecranon fracture; and Monteggia fracture-dislocation. The authors discuss potential complications and unique considerations for each fracture type to avoid common pitfalls.
Say the authors, “Understanding the normal anatomy of a skeletally immature elbow on radiographs is crucial to allow for prompt recognition of abnormalities. Even for experienced clinicians, recognizing normal variations of the elbow can be challenging. Pediatric elbow radiographs are complicated because of several points of articulation and vastly cartilaginous composition with complex ossification centers. A stepwise approach to assessing elbow images [is] outlined with a focus on 5 elbow injuries not to miss.”
“Diagnosis and Management of Lower Extremity Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in the Active Adult Population” by C. Taylor Jensen, MS, MMS, PA-C, Ethan Stonerook, MS, MMS, PA-C, Allie Andreski, MMS, PA-C, Kimberly Goldsmith, MMS, PA-C, Cynthia Solis Vallejo, MMS, PA-C, Lan Michelle Tran, MMS, PA-C, Erin Wade, MMS, PA-C, and Chris Gillette, PhD
The authors of this review sought to identify the most effective diagnosis and management plan for patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), a lesser known yet comparably disabling condition that can affect the same lower-extremity compartments seen in acute compartment syndrome (ACS).
The authors conclude, “CECS is a commonly experienced form of exercise-induced leg pain in athletics… Identification is challenging as the symptoms are transient and rely on the patient’s physical activity. Furthermore, diagnosis of CECS should be symptom driven because patients typically have normal IMCP while asymptomatic. Treatment heavily depends on the patient and their goals for returning to function; thus, it is important to use shared decision-making when creating an individualized treatment plan…. There is a need in the medical community for further investigation of the diagnosis of CECS and the efficacy of surgical vs. nonsurgical approaches to help improve the quality of life of these patients.”
About JBJS JOPA
JBJS Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants (JOPA) is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes timely and practical articles covering all orthopaedic subspecialties for PAs and NPs. JOPA provides a unique forum for health-care practitioners to share knowledge and experiences with colleagues in the profession.
Authors are encouraged to contribute original articles that promote PA and NP orthopaedic education. Articles submitted to JOPA undergo double-blinded peer review by a panel of orthopaedic physicians and PAs to ensure accuracy, clinical relevance, and readability.
Now Accepting 2024 Award Submissions
Visit the JBJS JOPA Writing Awards page to find out more about the awards and how to submit an article. Check out previous JBJS JOPA Award winners highlighted on OrthoBuzz.
Questions? Contact jopaeditorial@jbjs.org.