Effective Medical Writing: How to Write a Case Report Which Editors Would Publish.

Sir,

We read with keen interest the recently published editorial on the case reports in Indian Journal of Orthopaedics (IJO).1 First, it came to us a surprise as to why the editors have chosen to write it, once the case reports are no longer being considered for publication by the IJO. However, after reading this fabulous editorial on the value and tips on writing the case report, at the end of it, we understood that the nonconsideration of the case reports in IJO was a temporary measure to clear the backlog and the IJO shall be considering case reports with clear message in every issue, henceforth. We congratulate the editorial board for this valuable decision.

Although it is easier to write a case report compared to a full-length research article or a systematic review, it is equally difficult to get a case report published in a reputed journal. Writing a case report is an art, and it needs to be cultivated by the authors.2 The biggest questions, the prospective author must ask himself/herself, “why should my case report get published in this journal, does it contain a new message to the readers (regarding diagnosis or management), or am I describing a new entity in the literature?” The “rule of Cs” (Clear, Concise, Coherent, and must Convey a Crisp message) must be followed while writing a case report. The major drawback of publishing a case report is that, since it is on the lowermost step of the hierarchy of level of scientific evidence (Level V), it is often not considered favorable for the awards and promotions in professional career!

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Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.