Journal of Orthopedic Case Reports: The World’s First AI-enhanced Journal
Authors:   [1] Indian Orthopaedic Research Group, Thane, Maharashtra, India, [2] Department of Orthopaedics, Sancheti Institute for Orthopaedics and Rehablitation, Pune, Maharashtra, India,, Shyam Ashok , Bijlani Neeraj ,   OrthoTech Clinic, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,, Sancheti Parag ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Sancheti Institute for Orthopaedics and Rehablitation, Pune, Maharashtra, India,, Bagaria Vaibhav ,   Department of Orthopedics, Sir HN Reliance foundation Hospital, Munbai 31, India,, Yerudkar Amit ,   Script Lanes, Pune Maharashtra, India., Lunawat Rohan ,   Script Lanes, Pune Maharashtra, India.
Published: August 2024

Today’s science fiction is tomorrow’s science fact. — Isaac Asimov In the ever-changing world of academic publishing, the Journal of Orthopedic Case Reports (JOCR) is taking a bold step forward by becoming the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced journal. This groundbreaking move raises an important question: Should AI be used in academic writing? Is it ethical, or does it somehow feel like cheating? Many people worry about whether AI should help write articles or if journals will accept articles written with AI assistance. However, the real question is different: Are we ready for a future where using AI in academic writing becomes the norm? This is not just a futuristic idea; it is a revolutionary one. Academic journals aim to share scientific knowledge, and if AI can help make this knowledge clearer and more impactful, especially for non-English authors, it is a game-changer. Starting from the August issue, JOCR will embrace AI-enhanced features. Once an article is accepted after thorough reviews and revisions, authors will be given access to the OrthoAI platform. This tool will help polish their work, improving grammar, readability, and context, making the article more engaging and easier to understand. OrthoAI’s job is to highlight key learning points and make the scientific content more accessible without changing the core information. Imagine a researcher from a non-English speaking country who has conducted groundbreaking work but struggles to express it in flawless English. OrthoAI can help refine their writing, ensuring their valuable contributions are communicated effectively. Similarly, a busy clinician might find it challenging to polish their manuscript to meet rigorous publishing standards. OrthoAI steps in to streamline this process, saving time and effort while maintaining the integrity of the research. OrthoAI, now in its third version, is perfectly designed for this task. It respects the original content by not adding new information or altering the reference order. Being a specialized orthopedic AI, OrthoAI understands the field deeply. With over 8000 users interacting with it daily for the past 9 months, OrthoAI is uniquely tuned to the needs and perspectives of the orthopedic community. Each AI-enhanced article will proudly display an acknowledgment: “This article is enhanced using OrthoAI.” This transparency ensures everyone knows AI was used, addressing any ethical concerns. We believe this initiative will benefit readers and authors alike, enhancing the clarity and impact of the articles while maintaining ethical standards. Of course, there are ethical considerations. One concern is that over-reliance on AI might diminish the value of human authorship. However, at JOCR, we see AI as a tool to assist and enhance human writing, not replace it. The human element is still crucial in conducting research, interpreting results, and providing the nuanced understanding that AI cannot replicate. This revolutionary approach by JOCR will undoubtedly set a new standard in academic publishing. We believe other journals will soon follow our lead, recognizing the significant benefits AI can bring to academic writing. Our heartfelt thanks go to the JOCR and OrthoAI teams for creating this groundbreaking pathway. By embracing AI, JOCR continues to lead in innovation, enhancing the quality and accessibility of orthopedic literature. As Nikola Tesla once envisioned, “Ere long intelligence-transmitted without wires-will throb through the earth like a pulse through a living organism.” We are excited about the positive impact this initiative will have on the academic community. Thank you for joining us on this pioneering journey. Dr. Ashok Shyam Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Orthopedic Case Reports