The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery continues the tradition of recognizing outstanding papers each year. Here, we highlight the winners of the JBJS Open Access (JBJS OA) Awards for 2025. Each year, two JBJS OA awards are given: for the best scientific article and for the top AOA Critical Issues in Education article.
Congratulations to the 2025 JBJS OA Award winners:
Best JBJS Open Access Scientific Article
“Let Us Agree to Disagree on Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment for Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Multicenter International Prospective Cohort Study of Gray-Zone, Clinical Equipoise Fractures” by Ruben J. Hoepelman, MD, Frank. J.P. Beeres, MD, PhD, Bryan J.M. van de Wall, MD, PhD, Christian Michelitsch, MD, Isabelle R. Bünter, MD, Reto Babst, Prof, MD, PhD, Christoph Sommer, MD, Egbert-Jan M.M. Verleisdonk, MD, PhD, Detlef van der Velde, MD, PhD, Roderick M. Houwert, MD, PhD, Rolf H.H. Groenwold, MD, PhD, and Mark van Heijl, MD, PhD, on behalf of the NEXT study group
“Internationally, the optimal treatment strategy of proximal humerus fractures remains much debated,” note the authors. “No difference between treatments of [clinical] equipoise fractures was observed in the primary outcome. Patient-tailored care should include counseling on conservative vs. operative treatment, whereas operative treatment may reduce short-term pain, facilitate early return to work and sport, while the longer term benefits of either treatment have not yet been formally investigated,” they concluded.
Best JBJS Open Access AOA Critical Issues in Education Article
“Imposter Syndrome Among Orthopaedic Surgery Residents is Extremely Common and Disproportionately Affects Female Residents” by Harsh Wadhwa, MD, Harmon S. Khela, BS, Monty S. Khela, BA, Noelle Van Rysselberghe, MD, Anastasia A. Hunt, MD, Laura Lu, MD, and Julius Bishop, MD
An anonymous survey was distributed to residents at 7 ACGME-accredited orthopaedic surgery training programs; 100 residents completed the survey. The authors concluded, “Imposter syndrome is common among orthopaedic surgery residents, with 73% experiencing significant or intense symptoms. Female gender, lower OITE scores, and training in nonwestern regions predicted increased imposter syndrome severity. Targeted programs may help reduce burnout and improve career satisfaction and advancement.”
About JBJS OA
As a peer-reviewed, international open-access journal, JBJS OA continues to expand its reach and influence within the global orthopaedic community. A recent editorial shares more about the journal, including award criteria and 2025 publication statistics. The JBJS OA impact factor now stands at 4.9, up from 3.8 in 2024.
About the Awards
Visit the JBJS OA Awards page for information on how to enter and to see a list of past winners. Instructions for authors interested in submitting a JBJS OA article can be found in the Author Resource Center.
Check out the 2025 award winners for JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques and JBJS Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants recently spotlighted on OrthoBuzz.