Science Orthopedics is an international, peer-reviewed, gold open-access journal dedicated to exploring the dual dimensions of “Orthopedics” and “Science.” We focus on fundamental research on the bones, joints, and musculoskeletal system, while integrating biomechanics, materials science, regenerative medicine, computational biology, and engineering. Our mission is to publish cutting-edge research that transcends disciplinary boundaries to uncover the fundamental mechanisms of disease and the principles of regeneration and repair.
We welcome submissions of Original Research Article, Review and Mini-Review, Editorial and Perspective, Letter to the Editor, Methods Paper, Research Brief, etc. on the following themes and related areas:

Focusing on "Orthopedics": Scientific Depth of the Musculoskeletal System
This section encompasses the core domains of basic orthopedic research, aiming to systematically dissect scientific questions from molecules to tissues, and from structure to function.
1. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms
Research on the fate, metabolism, communication, and senescence of cells in bone, cartilage, muscle, tendon, intervertebral disc, and related tissues. Key areas include:
Cell Behavior and Fate: Differentiation, polarization, and interaction of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, chondrocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells; roles of pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and senescence in orthopedic pathologies.
Signaling Pathways and Regulatory Networks: Mechanisms of core pathways (e.g., Wnt/β-catenin, BMP/Smad, Hippo, NF-κB, mTOR) in development, homeostasis, injury repair, and diseases such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and osteonecrosis.
Epigenetic and Metabolic Regulation: Functions of non-coding RNAs, histone modifications, and DNA methylation in the skeletal system; links between metabolic reprogramming (e.g., glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation) and cellular function or tissue remodeling.
2. Biomechanics and Mechanobiology
Investigations into the interplay between mechanical forces and biological responses. Key areas include:
Mechanotransduction Mechanisms: How mechanosensitive ion channels (e.g., Piezo), integrin-focal adhesions, and the cytoskeleton sense and transduce mechanical signals to regulate gene expression and cell behavior.
Mechanical Microenvironment and Tissue Adaptation: Influence of matrix stiffness, fluid shear stress, and cyclic strain on stem cell differentiation, tissue regeneration, and disease progression (e.g., disc degeneration, ligament ossification).
Biomechanical Basis of Structure and Function: Mechanical optimization principles of trabecular bone architecture, articular cartilage stratification, and tendon fascicle alignment, and their disruption in injury and aging.
3. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Development and mechanistic understanding of biologically-driven repair strategies. Key areas include:
Smart Biomaterials and Scaffolds: Novel materials with osteo-/chondro-inductive, antimicrobial, adaptable, or stimuli-responsive properties; mechanistic studies on how material topography and chemistry drive cell/tissue integration.
Advanced Repair Strategies: Mechanistic insights and optimization of stem/progenitor cell therapies, exosomes/extracellular vesicles, gene activation/editing technologies, and bioactive factor delivery systems for regenerating bone, cartilage, tendon, or spinal cord.
Organoids and Complex In Vitro Models: Developing and applying stem cell-derived organoids, organ-on-a-chip systems, 3D bioprinting, and related technologies to create advanced in vitro models that replicate the complex structure and dynamic function of musculoskeletal tissues, enabling deeper mechanistic discovery and more predictive drug screening.
4. Animal Models and Translational Research
Establishing and deepening the systemic understanding of disease pathophysiology. Key areas include:
Disease Model Development and Validation: Application and limitations of genetically engineered mouse models, surgically-induced models (e.g., ACLT for osteoarthritis), aging models, and large animal models in mimicking human orthopedic conditions.
Translational Bridging Studies: Mechanistic validation of novel targets and therapies in animal models, addressing the biological and safety questions essential for clinical transition.
5. Basic Research on Bone-Related Complications and Systemic Conditions
Expanding the boundaries of orthopedic basic research to include closely related interdisciplinary fields. Key areas include:
Bone Infection and Immunology: Molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation and tolerance; role of the osteoimmune microenvironment in infection clearance and implant integration; biological basis of novel antimicrobial strategies.
Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Biology: Mechanisms involving cancer stem cells, the bone tumor microenvironment (hypoxia, acidity, immunosuppression), and tumor-bone cell interactions that drive metastasis and bone destruction.
Nerve-Musculoskeletal Interactions: Exploring the bidirectional signaling between the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. This includes the neural regulation of bone metabolism and homeostasis (e.g., via central and peripheral pathways), the cellular mechanisms underlying neurogenic bone disorders (e.g., after spinal cord injury or in neuropathic pain), and the role of systemic axes (such as the brain-bone or gut-bone axis) in skeletal health and disease.Skin-Bone Composite Injury Healing: Integrated mechanisms of tissue co-regeneration, vascularization, and immune regulation in complex trauma involving both bone and soft tissue (e.g., open fractures).

Embracing "Science": Paradigm Innovation and Methodological Frontiers in Orthopedic ResearchBeyond specific research subjects, the journal champions the "first principles" of scientific inquiry—clarity of mechanism, logical rigor, and reproducibility. We encourage innovative work that embodies the following paradigms:
1. Mechanistic Clarity as a Core Criterion
We prioritize research that moves beyond describing "what" happens to deeply and coherently explain "why" and "how." Manuscripts should strive to build a logical chain from molecular events to cellular phenotypes and ultimately to tissue function.
2. The "Structure—Mechanics—Cell—Tissue—Function" Multi-scale Paradigm
We advocate for integrative research across molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and even behavioral scales. Studies that combine biomechanical analysis, cell/molecular biology techniques, and tissue morphology/function assessment to parse orthopedic questions from a systems perspective are highly encouraged.
3. Deep Integration of Interdisciplinary Methodologies
We welcome and prioritize research that successfully leverages tools from converging disciplines. Examples include:
Computational and Data-Science Driven Research: For example, using AI and machine learning for radiomics analysis or disease subtyping; applying computational modeling to understand mechano-biological coupling; utilizing bioinformatics and multi-omics integration (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, etc.) to dissect molecular networks in orthopedic diseases; and building virtual cell or tissue models to simulate biological processes and predict outcomes.
Application of Advanced Physical/Chemical Techniques: For example, employing advanced imaging (e.g., two-photon microscopy, super-resolution microscopy) to resolve cellular/tissue dynamics and in vivo processes; using novel nanotechnologies for targeted delivery; or applying spectroscopic techniques for biomarker detection.
4. Technological Innovation and Tool Development
We publish novel experimental methods, unique animal models, distinctive reagents, or software tools developed for basic orthopedic research, provided their scientific utility and potential are convincingly demonstrated.
5. Data Reproducibility and Openness
We encourage authors to provide detailed methodologies, access to raw data where applicable, and code sharing. This fosters verification, reuse, and cross-study comparison, enhancing the long-term value of published research.

Article Types
Original Research Article
Review and Mini-Review
Editorial and Perspective
Letter to the Editor
Methods Paper
Research Brief

Journal Policy
Gold Open Access: All articles are immediately and permanently free to read, download, and share worldwide upon publication.
Rapid and Rigorous Peer Review: Managed by an international board of leading scholars, we are committed to an efficient, rigorous, and constructive review process.
High Visibility and Dissemination: Important findings are promoted through multiple channels to ensure wide attention from both academia and industry.

Out of Scope
To maintain a clear focus, the following types of manuscripts generally fall outside the journal's primary scope, unless they present a significant, clear mechanistic breakthrough or innovation in basic science principles:
Case reports or small case series that lack mechanistic insight.
Articles solely describing surgical technique modifications, clinical procedures, or device usage.
Retrospective clinical experience summaries lacking mechanistic exploration or hypothesis testing.
Preliminary biomaterial characterizations not coupled with deep biological mechanism investigation.
We invite scientists and clinician-researchers worldwide to submit their most innovative and rigorous basic research to Science Orthopedics. Join us in shaping the future of musculoskeletal science.