Global trends and current research in post-traumatic osteoarthritis: A bibliometric and visualization analysis from 2010 to 2024

Abstract

Background: To investigate global trends and current research on post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) from 2010 to 2024 using bibliometric and visualization techniques. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using data from the Web of Science Core Collection. The study examined publication trends, author contributions, institutional collaborations, keyword co-occurrence, and citation patterns, employing CiteSpace software to analyze key metrics such as publication frequency, centrality, and clustering. Results: A total of 3100 articles were published between 2010 and 2024, with a steady increase over the years, peaking at 320 articles in 2023. Most publications were from the USA (1141 articles), China (502), and Germany (268), with key fields being Orthopedics, Surgery, and Rheumatology. Early research focused on different types of osteoarthritis, while recent studies highlight therapeutic advances such as cartilage repair and oxidative stress. Co-citation analysis identified influential authors like Lohmander LS, and key research clusters include total hip arthroplasty and regenerative medicine. Conclusion: Over the past decade, PTOA research has expanded substantially, driven by contributions from Orthopedics and Surgery, and supported by growing international collaboration, particularly between the United States, China, and European countries. Future research directions should prioritize elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying PTOA, advancing diagnostic methodologies, and developing innovative therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes. The interdisciplinary nature and international cooperation observed are essential to addressing the complex challenges posed by PTOA.