I
nstructIons
for
A
uthors
Include the headings "Background and Objective,"
"Study Design/Materials (or Patients) and Methods,"
"Results," and "Conclusions" in the text of the article.
Introduction. The introduction should not be an
extensive review of the literature, but only of that por-
tion that is pertinent to the purpose of the study and its
relationship to work in the same field.
Materials and Methods. Materials and Methods
should be written clearly and in such detail that the work
can be duplicated by others. The technique of analysis of
data should be mentioned. For clinical science, the sec-
tion should be entitled Patients and Methods.
Results. Results must be described concisely. Text,
tables, and figures must be consistent and not repetitious.
Discussion. The discussion should be concise, ex-
plaining the significance of the findings and their re-
lation to previous work. It should analyze the results,
indicating statistical or clinical significance and the
implications. Statements should be supported by the
internal data or by published references. Shortcomings
should be indicated. Speculation is to be avoided.
For Case Reports
Abstract. Provide an UNSTRUCTURED abstract
(100 words maximum).
Introduction. The introduction should not be an
extensive review of the literature, but only of that por-
tion that is pertinent to the presentation of the case,
and should be approximately 100 to 150 words in
length.
Case Report. The report should be complete and
concise and presented in 100 to 350 words, averaging
200 words.
Discussion. The discussion should be approxi-
mately 400 to 800 words as merited by the subject.
For Brief Reports
This brief format is reserved for preliminary reports
and other short reports that do not qualify as Case Re-
ports, Technique, or Instruments/Devices/Technology
reports.
Abstract. Provide an UNSTRUCTURED abstract
(100 words maximum).
Introduction. The introduction should present
the purpose of the report. It should not be an extensive
review of the literature, but only of that portion that is
pertinent to the topic. It should be approximately 100
to 150 words in length.
Design and Methods. Describe the basic design,
subjects, and scientific methods used for the investiga-
tion of the question.
Findings. This should be complete and concise and
presented in 100 to 350 words, averaging 200 words.
Discussion. The discussion should be approxi-
mately 400 to 800 words as merited by the subject.
For Technique Reports
Abstract. Provide an UNSTRUCTURED abstract
(100 words maximum).
Introduction. The introduction should not be an
extensive review of the literature, but should present, in
approximately 100 to 150 words, the necessary back-
ground including other available techniques and the
problem or limitation that the new technique addresses.
Technique. The technique should be described so
that the qualified reader will understand its rationale
and be able to perform it. Known and potential caveats
should be presented. The presentation may require 100
to 400 or more words, averaging 200 words.
Discussion. The discussion should be brief and
summarize the presentation, including any useful infor-
mation that is not appropriately delineated in the de-
scription of the technique, including advantages and dis-
advantages, possible indications, and contraindications.
For Instruments/Devices/Technology Reports
Abstract. Provide an UNSTRUCTURED abstract
(100 words maximum).
Introduction. The introduction should present the
comparative background necessary to understanding
the purpose of the novel instrumentation presented. It
should be approximately 100 to 150 words in length.
Report. A complete, concise, critical description
of the instrumentation and its use should be provided
in approximately 150 to 300 words.
Discussion. The discussion should summarize the
found and potential advantages and disadvantages of
the instrumentation, its indications, and contraindica-
tions for use.
For Surgical, Laser, and Imaging Reviews
Surgical and laser surgical reviews should compre-
hensively discuss all aspects of a specific disease pro-
cess and treatment modality. Imaging reviews should
thoroughly discuss all aspects of a specific diagnostic or
experimental imaging technique.
