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Background <p>Rising publication costs in orthopedics represent an increasing financial burden. Article processing charges (APC) for open-access publications continue to increase, drawing resources from research. This study aims to quantify current APCs in orthopedic journals, predict their future development, illustrate the global financial impact and discuss a&#xa0;cost-free publishing model.</p> Methods <p>The APCs of the top 20&#xa0;orthopedic journals (Journal Impact Factor 2024) were obtained from journal websites. Based on approximately 14,000 publications annually and average APCs of USD 2000–3000, the global expenditure was estimated. For 5 journals, APC trends (2015–2035) were modelled assuming an annual increase of 6.5% and compared with a&#xa0;5% rise in gold prices.</p> Results <p>The mean APC value is approximately USD 3600. Annual global publication costs amount to roughly USD 28–42&#xa0;million. This corresponds to 14–21 gold bars (400 oz each). Projected APC trends follow gold price development, suggesting inflation-driven increases. By 2035, APCs may reach USD 3800–8000.</p> Discussion <p>A&#xa0;cost-free publishing model could promote accessibility and equity, reduce financial barriers, release funds for research and reduce uncertainties of the current financing model. Risks include challenges in quality assurance, dependencies, and steering challenges that require careful regulation and transparent administration. The Hive Musculoskeletal Journal as a&#xa0;modern, innovative concept represents such an approach.</p>

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  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月17日

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  • Fabian Traub

摘要

Background

Rising publication costs in orthopedics represent an increasing financial burden. Article processing charges (APC) for open-access publications continue to increase, drawing resources from research. This study aims to quantify current APCs in orthopedic journals, predict their future development, illustrate the global financial impact and discuss a cost-free publishing model.

Methods

The APCs of the top 20 orthopedic journals (Journal Impact Factor 2024) were obtained from journal websites. Based on approximately 14,000 publications annually and average APCs of USD 2000–3000, the global expenditure was estimated. For 5 journals, APC trends (2015–2035) were modelled assuming an annual increase of 6.5% and compared with a 5% rise in gold prices.

Results

The mean APC value is approximately USD 3600. Annual global publication costs amount to roughly USD 28–42 million. This corresponds to 14–21 gold bars (400 oz each). Projected APC trends follow gold price development, suggesting inflation-driven increases. By 2035, APCs may reach USD 3800–8000.

Discussion

A cost-free publishing model could promote accessibility and equity, reduce financial barriers, release funds for research and reduce uncertainties of the current financing model. Risks include challenges in quality assurance, dependencies, and steering challenges that require careful regulation and transparent administration. The Hive Musculoskeletal Journal as a modern, innovative concept represents such an approach.