THE EDITOR'S CORNER

You probably have noticed that JPO has taken an approach to case reports that is a departure from tradition. In the report in the September issue and in the one in this issue, the case is presented totally--the salient facts about the case, the reasoning behind the diagnosis and treatment planning, the actual way in which the case was treated, the before and after records, a hard look at the result, and finally a reprise of all these considerations in light of the result. In addition, the cases that have been presented are not run-of-the-mill successfully treated cases. They are rather, the difficult case, the problem case, the less-than-successful case.

We think that we all can learn from this type of reporting of these kinds of cases. When all is said and done, everything we do is tied together in our cases. All of orthodontic practice is reflected in our cases. Complete case reports that inquire into the whole story of the case are the ultimate means of communication that we have. We want to use that means to the fullest.

In order to encourage submission of unsuccessful or incompletely successful cases, of questionable cases, of cases which have something to teach in hindsight, of cases in which the operator does not shine, JPO will print case reports anonymously on request. It offers complete and everlasting anonymity, but also the everlasting gratitude of the profession to those who have the integrity to look their cases in the eye, bare some of their problems, and take the trouble to gather the material and present it for the edification of their fellows.

I think that we have had a good start on case reports. I look forward to a long line of teaching cases.