The journal will serve as a source of instruction and information for physicians in clinical practice and research in the extensive field of orthopaedics, traumatology and arthroscopy. Papers dealing with the surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system from all fields and aspects of medicine will be considered, particularly if they satisfy the information needs of orthopaedic clinicians and practitioners. The journal features special emphasis of clinical relevance.     Manuscripts submitted for publication must contain a statement to the effect that all human studies have been reviewed by appropriate ethics committee and have therefore been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in an appropriate version of the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki. It should also be stated clearly in the text that all persons gave their informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study. Details that might disclose the identity of the subjects under study should be omitted. Reports of animal experiments must state that the "Principles of laboratory animal care" (NIH publication No. 86-23, revised 1985) were followed, as well as specific national laws (e.g. the current version of the German Law on the Protection of Animals) where applicable.   The editors reserve the right to reject manuscripts that do not comply with the above-mentioned requirements. The author  will be held responsible for false statements or for failure to fulfil the above-mentioned requirements.   .