The orthopaedic surgeon's responsibility: Creating and protecting scientific evidence as its custodian.

Progress in surgery has never been driven by technical innovation alone. Advancing patient care extends far beyond the operating room, relying on the research and academic engagement of orthopaedic surgeons. Every improvement in surgical practice, from refined indications to optimised rehabilitation protocols, has been built on rigorous research and critical evaluation of evidence. Among academic activities, peer review is perhaps one of the most undervalued. It is time-consuming, often performed after long clinical hours, and offers little personal recognition. Yet, it remains the cornerstone of scientific integrity, strengthening manuscripts by challenging unsupported conclusions, refining methodology, and improving the quality of evidence that informs clinical decision-making. The benefits of peer review extend beyond the published article. Critically evaluating the work of others enhances reviewers' analytical skills, keeps them current with emerging evidence, and fosters more critical interpretation of the literature. The future of orthopaedic surgery is shaped not only by those who operate, but by those who question, investigate, review, and train future generations. Our patients deserve surgeons who are not merely skilled technicians but thoughtful towards scientific progress.