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Orthopedics

A section of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383).

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The increasing longevity of the population means that musculoskeletal conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent, leading to a rising burden of pain, functional limitation, and disability. Disorders such as osteoarthritis, fragility fractures, degenerative spine disease, and complications following joint replacement are major contributors to reduced mobility, loss of independence, and diminished quality of life. These challenges are further compounded by frailty, multimorbidity, and sarcopenia, all of which are strongly associated with poorer surgical outcomes, prolonged recovery, and increased healthcare utilisation.

Orthopaedic research has advanced substantially in recent years, with a growing body of high-quality evidence supporting both surgical and non-surgical interventions. Randomised controlled trials and registry data have improved our understanding of outcomes following procedures such as arthroplasty, fracture fixation, and soft-tissue reconstruction. Increasing emphasis is being placed on patient-reported outcome measures, early mobilisation protocols, enhanced recovery pathways, and robotic-assisted surgery to optimise functional recovery and reduce complications.

Modern orthopaedic care extends beyond surgical intervention alone, encompassing the entire patient pathway from prehabilitation to long-term postoperative recovery. Preoperative optimisation, including strength training and risk factor modification, is increasingly recognised as essential for improving outcomes. Similarly, postoperative rehabilitation is now delivered earlier, more intensively, and over longer durations, restoring mobility, function, and participation in daily life.

Traditionally, orthopaedic interventions aimed to relieve pain and restore structural integrity. However, the focus has shifted toward maximising long-term function and quality of life. Contemporary approaches emphasise not only “adding years to life” through restoring physical fitness but also “adding life to years” by enabling patients to return to meaningful activities and maintain independence. This patient-centred perspective is central to modern orthopaedic practice.

Emerging technologies are expected to further transform the field. Advances in robotics, computer-assisted surgery, artificial intelligence, and personalised implants are improving surgical precision and outcomes. In parallel, developments in regenerative medicine, including biologics and tissue engineering, offer promising avenues for enhancing healing and delaying or preventing the need for surgery.

This journal section will bring together clinicians, surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and researchers from across the orthopaedic community to share insights, innovations, and evidence-based practices. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we will improve practical understanding and management of musculoskeletal disorders and improve patient outcomes worldwide. We invite submissions of original research, systematic reviews, and expert perspectives related to orthopaedics and musculoskeletal care. Contributions addressing clinical outcomes, surgical techniques, rehabilitation strategies, and emerging technologies are particularly welcome.

Subject Areas: orthopaedics; musculoskeletal disorders; joint arthroplasty; fracture management; trauma surgery; spine surgery; sports injuries; orthopaedic rehabilitation; prehabilitation; enhanced recovery pathways; frailty and sarcopenia; geriatric orthopaedics; paediatric orthopaedics; patient-reported outcomes measures; revision surgery; regenerative medicine; orthopaedic biomechanics; digital health and artificial intelligence in orthopaedics; multimorbidity and functional recovery.