The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery continues the tradition of recognizing outstanding papers each year. Awards are given for the best JBJS Open Access and JBJS Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants (JBJS JOPA) articles. OrthoBuzz is pleased to highlight the 2024 winners. Submissions are open for 2025.
JBJS Open Access Winners:
Best JBJS Open Access Scientific Article
“Deep Surgical Site Infection after Fracture Has a Profound Effect on Functional Outcomes” by Ida Leah Gitajn, MD, MS, Paul M. Werth, PhD, Anthony R. Carlini, MS, Michael J. Bosse, MD, Joshua L. Gary, MD, Reza Firoozabadi, MD, MA, William Obremskey, MD, MPH, Todd O. McKinley, MD, Renan C. Castillo, PhD, Robert V. O’Toole, MD, and METRC [Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium]
This study examines the impact of deep surgical site infection on functional recovery in patients with high-risk lower-extremity fractures. Infection was associated with worse functional outcomes, particularly among patients with lower pain severity, while those with higher pain severity had worse function overall but showed no additional functional decline from infection.
The authors conclude, “This work emphasizes not only the importance of developing effective interventions designed to reduce postoperative infection, but also the role of factors such as pain severity, which moderate the impact of infection on functional recovery.”
Best JBJS Open Access AOA Critical Issues in Education Article
“The Impact of Signaling on the 2022 to 2023 Orthopaedic Residency Application Cycle: A Survey of Incoming Residents” by Rae Tarapore, MD, Mark D. Wieland, MD, Brett Haislup, MD, Casey Imbergamo, MD, Brian McCormick, MD, Wilfrido Castillo, MD, and Henry Boucher, MD
In this study of surveyed applicants to an orthopaedic residency program , the authors found that applicants received most interviews from programs they had “signaled” (specified their interest in), with 91% of matched applicants (86 of 95) matching at a signaled program. Alpha Omega Alpha status and higher USMLE scores were associated with more interviews, regardless of signaling.
The authors conclude, “Signaling seems to be a favorable and beneficial option for applicants applying to orthopaedic surgery. More data from a greater number of application cycles should be accrued to judge the true influence of signaling on the orthopaedic surgery residency match.”
To learn more about the 2024 winners and JBJS Open Access, check out the recent Editorial by Co-Editors Dr. Robin Richards and Dr. Eng Hin Lee, Deputy Editor Dr. George S. M. Dyer, and Editor-in-Chief Dr. Mo Bhandari.
JBJS JOPA Winners:
“Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis in a Military Cohort Using Platelet-Rich Plasma” by Jacob J. Wittenauer, DSc, PA-C, USN, LCDR, Colin Dunderdale, DSc, PA-C, Meghan Joyce, DSc, PA-C, USA, LTC, James Aden, PhD, Benjamin Kubas, MD, USA, CPT, Daniel J. Cognetti, MD, USA, CPT
In this study, the authors retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for knee osteoarthritis in U.S. active-duty military members and veterans, a population at higher risk and younger onset of the disease than the general public.
The authors conclude, “Our study suggests that a single PRP injection for knee OA in a military population does not result in significant decreases in pain or increases in function. However, 2 PRP injections result in significant improvement of pain and function… Debate regarding the total number and frequency of PRP injections remains uncertain with additional studies needed to determine the variables of interest for treatment success.”
“Diagnosis and Management of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease in the Obese Pediatric Population” by Lauren Beckish, BS, Madison Ging, BS, Maria Mosman, BS, Cody Kelley, BS, Landree Wilkin, BS, Olivia Wills, BS, Madison Adams, BS, Cassidy Pinion, BS, Cheyenne Bilica, BS, Alavia Anderson, BS, Margaret Sims, MSPAS, PA-C, Michael Beckish, MD, Deanna M. Schmitt, PhD
In this review, the authors examine the relationship between obesity and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD)—a childhood condition caused by disrupted blood flow to the proximal femur leading to avascular necrosis and bone deformity—and highlight the need for tailored management strategies to address the unique challenges of treating LCPD in patients with obesity.
The authors conclude, “Providers should be aware of the atypical clinical presentation of LCPD in an obese child. Delayed diagnosis is directly correlated with increased morbidity and disability later in life. Prompt referral to an orthopedic surgeon, implementation of physical therapy, initiation of pain management, and coordination of care between orthopedic specialists and physical therapists are shown to increase patient outcomes.”
To learn more about the 2024 winners, read the recent Editorial by JOPA Editor Dagan Cloutier, PA-C.
About JBJS Open Access and JBJS JOPA
JBJS Open Access is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal from the publishers of The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. The mission of the journal is to provide free access to a steady flow of comprehensive, objective, and evidence-based studies that have the potential to impact orthopaedic care worldwide. JBJS Open Access AOA Critical Issues in Education manuscripts are managed in partnership with the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA).
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.
Now Accepting 2025 Award Submissions
Visit the JBJS Open Access Awards and JBJS JOPA Awards pages to find out more about the awards and how to submit an article.
Check out previous JBJS Open Access and JBJS JOPA award winners highlighted on OrthoBuzz.
