Peer Review Process
Rigorous, fair, and timely evaluation of every submission
Double-Blind Peer Review
All manuscripts submitted to OSCRSJ undergo double-blind peer review by reviewers outside of our network. Neither the authors nor the reviewers know each other's identities during the review process, and reviewers are recruited from outside the OSCRSJ editorial board — subspecialty-matched orthopedic surgeons and clinician-researchers — so that no editor evaluates work by their own collaborators. This ensures that every submission is evaluated solely on its scientific merit, clinical significance, and adherence to reporting standards — regardless of the author's institution, training level, or reputation.
Review Process
Initial Editorial Response
≤ 10 daysThe Editor-in-Chief screens submissions for scope, completeness, and basic quality. Authors receive a screening decision (advance to peer review or desk-reject with feedback) within 10 days of submission.
Reviewer Assignment
1–3 daysSuitable manuscripts are assigned to at least two independent reviewers recruited from outside the OSCRSJ editorial board, with expertise in the relevant orthopedic subspecialty.
Peer Review
14–21 daysReviewers evaluate the manuscript for clinical significance, novelty, methodology, ethical compliance, and clarity of presentation. Structured review forms are used.
Editorial Decision
1–3 daysBased on reviewer recommendations, the editor issues one of four decisions: Accept, Minor Revisions, Major Revisions, or Reject.
Revision & Resubmission
14 daysAuthors are given clear, constructive feedback and a deadline for revision. Revised manuscripts may undergo additional review.
Final Decision & Publication
3–7 daysAccepted manuscripts receive copyediting, DOI assignment, and are published online.
Targets: initial editorial response within 10 days of submission · full peer-reviewed decision within 30–35 days · 35 days from acceptance to publication.
Appeals
Authors who believe their manuscript was unfairly rejected may submit a written appeal to the Editor-in-Chief at editor@oscrsj.com. Appeals must include a detailed response to each reviewer comment and a rationale for reconsideration. The editorial team will evaluate the appeal and may seek additional review. The final decision rests with the Editor-in-Chief.
Interested in Reviewing?
We are actively recruiting reviewers across all orthopedic subspecialties. Our Guide for Reviewers covers everything you need to conduct a thorough, fair, and constructive peer review, including evaluation standards, the section-by-section review structure with line-number citations, timeline expectations, and recognition benefits.
Guide for Reviewers