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Spine Journal (ISSN: 0362-2436)
Spine is one of the most established journals in spinal research and surgery. Below is a critical analysis of its strengths and limitations.
📈 Strengths
- Reputation & Reach:
Established in 1976 and published biweekly by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, *Spine* is a leading journal in spinal disorders with broad international recognition and strong affiliations with global spine societies.
- Citation Impact:
Maintains a solid presence with a historical impact factor around 3.0 (slightly declined to ~2.6 in 2023). Continues to be ranked in the top ~15% of orthopaedic journals.
- Peer‑Review & Editorial Standards:
The peer-review process is rigorous, with multidisciplinary evaluation and consistent editorial quality.
- Timeliness:
Median time from submission to publication is ~175 days, competitive with biomedical publication standards.
⚠️ Weaknesses / Critiques
- Declining Impact Factor:
Recent drop in impact factor from 3.0 to ~2.6 suggests either increasing competition or reduced citation rates.
- Overreliance on Metrics:
Editorial direction may prioritize high-citation content (e.g., reviews, trending topics), potentially at the expense of methodological or negative-result studies.
- Opaque Peer-Review Details:
Lack of transparency regarding reviewer conflicts of interest or public review histories, which are becoming best practices in academic publishing.
- Access and Fees:
Hybrid access model. Optional open-access with APCs, which may be restrictive for authors without institutional support.
🎯 Comparative Perspective
- Compared to *The Spine Journal* (Elsevier, ISSN: 1529-9430, IF ~4.17), *Spine* remains historically more established but now ranks slightly lower in terms of impact factor and perceived academic novelty.
- Newer journals are increasingly open-access and more transparent in peer-review practices, offering alternative platforms for authors.
🧩 Overall Assessment
- For Readers:
A reliable source for clinically relevant spine research and surgical updates.
* **For Authors:** Publication carries prestige but be aware of costs and competition from newer, high-IF journals.
- For the Field:
- Spine* must evolve in transparency, peer-review innovation, and open-access engagement to retain leadership.
✅ Final Verdict
*Spine* is a cornerstone in spinal literature with enduring value, but it faces modern publishing challenges. It remains highly recommended for established clinicians and researchers, while younger investigators may also explore newer open-access alternatives.