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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

1.5 Publication of Corrections

  • “Correction to: [Article Title]”
  • Full citation of the original publication
  • DOI of the original publication
  • Description of the error
  • Corrected information
  • Statement regarding impact on 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.

  • Inconclusive evidence of misconduct
  • Concerns regarding authenticity, accuracy, or reliability
  • Issues related to consent, confidentiality, or ethics
  • Ongoing institutional or editorial investigation
  • Insufficient evidence for correction or retraction

Expressions of Concern receive a DOI and are linked to the original publication. They may later be replaced by a correction, retraction, or withdrawal.

3. RETRACTIONS

Retraction is a mechanism for correcting the scholarly record when published content is unreliable or ethically compromised. It is not a punitive action.

3.1 Reasons for Retraction

  • Major errors invalidating conclusions
  • Data fabrication or falsification
  • Plagiarism
  • Duplicate publication
  • Peer review manipulation
  • Copyright infringement
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest
  • Misrepresentation of clinical outcomes
  • Image or video manipulation
  • Missing patient consent
  • Breach of confidentiality
  • Lack of ethical approval
  • Other ethical or legal violations

3.2 Retraction Process

The Journal may investigate concerns, consult experts, request author responses, and communicate with institutions before making a decision.

Final decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief in consultation with the Editorial Ethics Committee.

3.3 Retraction Notice

  • Freely accessible
  • Clearly identifies publication
  • States responsible party
  • Explains reason
  • Distinguishes error vs misconduct
  • Assigned a DOI
  • Linked to original article

3.4 Status of Retracted Publications

Retracted publications remain online when possible but are clearly marked as retracted. Associated multimedia content is also labeled accordingly.

4. ARTICLE OR MULTIMEDIA REMOVAL

Complete removal occurs only in exceptional circumstances such as legal orders, privacy violations, or withdrawal of consent.

Bibliographic metadata and removal notice will remain available whenever legally permissible.

5. TRANSPARENCY AND RECORD MAINTENANCE

All post-publication updates are permanently linked to the scholarly record. The Journal is committed to transparency and adherence to COPE publication ethics standards.