Corrections, Retractions, Expressions of Concern and Article Removal Policy

The Journal of Neurosurgery Academy is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, transparency, and educational value of the scholarly record. The Journal follows the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) regarding post-publication updates, including corrections, corrigenda, errata, addenda, expressions of concern, retractions, and article removal.

This policy applies to all published content, including articles, case reports, surgical technique reports, clinical images, videos, supplementary files, and other multimedia materials.

The published Version of Record will be maintained whenever possible. Post-publication amendments are implemented through transparent notices that are permanently linked to the original publication.

1. CORRECTIONS

Corrections are issued when errors are identified in a published article or associated multimedia content that do not invalidate the overall reliability, educational value, or principal conclusions of the work.

1.1 Grounds for Corrections

Corrections may be issued for:

  • Typographical, editorial, or production errors;
  • Errors in author names, affiliations, acknowledgements, or contact information;
  • Incorrect or incomplete references;
  • Errors in figures, tables, images, captions, video annotations, or supplementary materials;
  • Minor inaccuracies in clinical information or case details that do not alter the overall conclusions or educational message;
  • Other errors that do not compromise the reliability of the publication.

1.2 Types of Corrections

The Journal recognizes the following forms of correction:

  • Corrigendum – correction of an error introduced by the author(s);
  • Erratum – correction of an error introduced by the publisher;
  • Addendum – additional information that enhances or clarifies the published article without altering its conclusions or educational value.

1.3 Submission of Correction Requests

Requests for correction may be submitted by authors, readers, reviewers, editors, institutions, patients, or other stakeholders.

Requests should include:

  • Full bibliographic details of the publication;
  • A clear description of the error;
  • The proposed correction;
  • Supporting documentation where appropriate;
  • An explanation of the impact of the error on the published content.

1.4 Editorial Assessment

The Editorial Office will evaluate each request and may consult reviewers, editorial board members, independent experts, or institutional representatives where appropriate.

Following assessment, the Journal may:

  • Publish a correction;
  • Publish an addendum;

1.5 Publication of Corrections

Corrections are published as separate documents and include:

  • The title “Correction to: [Article Title]”;
  • Full citation of the original publication;
  • The DOI of the original publication;
  • A description of the error;
  • The corrected information;
  • A statement regarding the impact of the correction on the publication's conclusions, where applicable.

Each correction receives its own DOI and is electronically linked to the original publication.

1.6 Indexing and Metadata

The Journal updates article metadata and notifies relevant indexing and abstracting services whenever corrections, expressions of concern, retractions, or removals are published.

1.7 Limitations

Corrections are not used to introduce new findings, substantially alter interpretations, replace missing ethical approvals or patient consent, or address issues that warrant retraction.

2. EXPRESSIONS OF CONCERN

An Expression of Concern may be issued to alert readers to potentially unreliable or ethically problematic content while an investigation is ongoing.

An Expression of Concern may be published when:

  • There is inconclusive evidence of research or publication misconduct;
  • There are concerns regarding the authenticity, accuracy, or reliability of published content;
  • Questions arise regarding patient consent, confidentiality, or ethical compliance;
  • An institutional or editorial investigation has been initiated but has not yet concluded;
  • Available information is insufficient to justify immediate correction or retraction.

Expressions of Concern receive a DOI and are electronically linked to the original publication.

Upon completion of the investigation, the Expression of Concern may be replaced by a Correction, Retraction Notice, or withdrawn, as appropriate.

3. RETRACTIONS

Retraction is a mechanism for correcting the scholarly record and informing readers that published content is unreliable or contains significant ethical or legal concerns. Retraction is intended to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record and is not a punitive measure against authors.

The Journal follows COPE recommendations in all retraction decisions.

3.1 Reasons for Retraction

A publication may be retracted for reasons including, but not limited to:

  • Major errors that invalidate the conclusions, educational message, or clinical relevance of the publication;
  • Data fabrication or falsification;
  • Plagiarism;
  • Redundant or duplicate publication;
  • Manipulation of the peer review process;
  • Copyright infringement;
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest that materially affect the interpretation of the work;
  • Misrepresentation of surgical outcomes, complications, follow-up results, or clinical findings;
  • Manipulation or inappropriate alteration of images, videos, or multimedia content;
  • Failure to obtain required patient consent for publication;
  • Breach of patient confidentiality or privacy;
  • Inadequate anonymization of patients in images, videos, or clinical descriptions;
  • Research or clinical activities conducted without required ethical approval;
  • Other serious forms of publication misconduct or ethical violation.

3.2 Retraction Process

Retraction may be initiated by authors, editors, institutions, funders, reviewers, readers, patients, or other parties.

The Journal may:

  • Conduct an editorial investigation;
  • Consult independent experts;
  • Seek explanations from authors;
  • Communicate with relevant institutions or organizations;
  • Review available evidence before reaching a final decision.

Authors will be informed of concerns and provided an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.

The final decision is made by the Editor-in-Chief in consultation with the Editorial Ethics Committee.

3.3 Retraction Notice

A Retraction Notice will:

  • Be freely accessible;
  • Clearly identify the affected publication;
  • State who is retracting the publication;
  • Explain the reasons for retraction;
  • Distinguish misconduct from honest error whenever possible;
  • Be assigned its own DOI;
  • Be electronically linked to the original publication.

3.4 Status of Retracted Publications

The original publication will remain available online whenever possible to preserve the scholarly record but will be clearly marked as retracted through visible watermarking, metadata updates, and electronic links to the Retraction Notice.

Where technically feasible, associated videos, images, and multimedia files will also be clearly marked as retracted or accompanied by prominent retraction notices.

Retracted publications should not be relied upon as valid evidence supporting clinical practice, scientific conclusions, or educational recommendations. Where cited, their retracted status should be clearly indicated.

4. ARTICLE OR MULTIMEDIA REMOVAL

Complete removal of an article, video, image, or supplementary material will occur only in exceptional circumstances.

Removal may be considered where:

  • Removal has been ordered by a court or governmental authority;
  • The content infringes legal rights or personal privacy and cannot be adequately addressed through editorial notices;
  • Patient consent is withdrawn and removal is required by applicable law or ethical obligations;
  • Where removal is necessary, bibliographic information and a notice explaining the reason for removal will remain available whenever legally permissible.

5. TRANSPARENCY AND RECORD MAINTENANCE

All corrections, addenda, expressions of concern, retractions, and removals are permanently linked to the relevant publication and preserved as part of the scholarly record.

The Journal is committed to transparency in publication practices and to maintaining the integrity, educational value, and ethical standards of the academic literature in accordance with internationally recognized publishing ethics principles and COPE recommendations.