I personally have been long waiting for an orthopedic journal that integrates basic research with clinical practices, mixes medicine with engineering, and combines theory with practical application. Fortunately, under the help of the AME Publishing Company and with the kindest supports from Dr. Shiro Ikegawa and Dr. Freddie Fu, the dream has finally become a reality. The launching of this new journal, Annals of Joint (AOJ), represents our determination to make it a highly respected interdisciplinary journal in the field of bone and joint medicine. We would like to extend our appreciation to all who contributed to making this work a reality, in particular the members of the editorial board.
Along with advances in basic research, our understanding of bones and joints has no long been confined to conventional concepts such as their mechanical functions; rather, we have further realized their endocrine and immune functions. However, this knowledge is far from enough. AOJ will track further basic research on bones and joints, in addition to genetic studies in this field.
As increasingly perfected techniques, the minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries have successfully treated various diseases for countless patients. This new journal will bring the latest ideas and techniques of arthroscopic surgeries to our readers.
Of course, the new alternative materials for reconstruction of bone and joint and the arthroplasty techniques will also be priority topics in AOJ.
An ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao-tzu, once said: “Perfection belongs to heaven, and heaven is the divine law.” In Chinese, the term “joint” can also literally mean “joining” or “integration”. The streams may slowly join together to form a river, and ultimately a sea; similarly, it will be our goal to integrates knowledge from diverse fields to present our readers new insights and make AOJ one of the most influential journals of orthopedics. Again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each of our authors, readers, and reviewers. With your joining in our journey, we will never be alone in making this journal a great success.