Orthopaedic research activity in South Africa measured by publication rates in the 15 highest impact journals related to population size and gross domestic product

Abstract

IntroductionResearch is a major component of innovation and can contribute to health improvements through a knowledge-toaction-process. 1 In general, the total number of publications by a country is one of the indicators of research output and productivity and is an important aspect of clinical excellence.2-4 While the developing world contains more than 75%of the world's population and has the largest burden of musculoskeletal disease, less than 10% of publications originate from these countries. 1 Aluede et al. investigated the representation of developing countries in four high impact orthopaedic journals over a three-year period, and determined that less than 0.4% of all articles (n=15) were published by authors from Sub-Saharan Africa, with only six publications originating from South Africa. 5 Abstract Background:The purpose of this study was to investigate the number of publications and impact of South African surgeons in the 15 highest impact orthopaedic journals over a five-year period

The physical impact of long bone fractures on adults in KwaZulu-Natal

“…There are very few studies (Singaram & Naidoo, 2019 ) on long bone fractures in adults across a variety of age groups. Most of the reviewed studies were conducted in high-income and middle-income countries (HMICs) with well-established health systems and most of the participants were elderly (Audibert and Mathonnat 2012 ; Hohmann, Glatt & Tetsworth 2016 ). These studies reveal that pain is a common reason for patients to seek medical attention and many patients with lower limb fractures often require hospitalisation.…”