JAAOS® will transition to all-digital format in 2026

The Journal of the AAOS^® (JAAOS^®) will transition to an all-digital format beginning with the Jan. 1, 2026, issue, and the final print edition will be the Dec. 15, 2025, issue. This change reflects a broader effort to modernize how JAAOS delivers content to its members and the broader musculoskeletal community on the latest peer-reviewed clinical reviews and research impacting orthopaedic care. It also reflects changing preferences among readers for content delivery.

“The majority of our readers already access JAAOS online,” said Peter S. Rose, MD, FAAOS, editor-in-chief of JAAOS. “Going fully digital allows us to invest further in features that enhance the reader experience, such as interactive content, embedded video, and advanced search capabilities, while continuing our commitment to evidence-based content that positively impacts orthopaedic surgery practice and education.”

The all-digital format will enable a more dynamic and immersive reading experience, allowing JAAOS to offer more timely, in-depth, accessible, and interactive content, such as videos and advanced search features.

“We understand many of our readers look forward to receiving the print copy of JAAOS, and this was not a decision we made lightly,” Dr. Rose added. “However, as digital access continues to evolve, so too must the way we deliver the content and resources that help us grow as surgeons. While we recognize that some members still prefer print, transitioning to be fully digital offers significant advantages, including greater flexibility, wider reach, and enhanced functionality. Readers should look forward to progressive incorporation of new features in the next 12 to 24 months.”

Dr. Rose also emphasized the broader impact of the shift. “As a large organization, we have a responsibility to meet surgeons where they are — increasingly on digital devices — and to support long-term sustainability, both financially and ecologically. This move reflects broader trends in academic publishing, where many leading journals have already adopted fully digital models and are thriving as a result.”

What to expect: an all-digital experience
Readers will continue to receive emails with JAAOS’ electronic table of contents, full archive access, and the same rigorously peer-reviewed content. They are also encouraged to interact with the digital content, which includes easy access to articles tailored to all specialties via subject collections, surgical videos of new techniques in the video gallery, links to CME content, and other interactive features such as infographics, video clips, and more — all found on jaaos.org.

“Having all this information at our fingertips through the AAOS Membership App will be a game-changer,” Dr. Rose added. “I depend on JAAOS to keep me current with the latest evidence and techniques in orthopaedic surgery, and now the digital platform makes that process seamless. Whether I’m preparing for surgery, refining a skill, or reviewing the latest research, I can quickly access trusted, peer-reviewed content and multimedia resources all in one place.”

Member support resources and technical assistance will be readily available for anyone who needs help with the new app, those who experience institutional firewalls when logging into the JAAOS website, and those who need additional assistance with digital resources. For more information, visit aaos.org/about/contact-the-aaos.

Jennifer Lefkowitz is a freelance writer for AAOS Now.