Publication trends in spine research from 2007 to 2016: Comparison of the Orthopaedic Research Society Spine Section and the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine

Abstract

This study investigated current trends in spine publications of the membership of Orthopaedic Research Society Spine Section (ORS3) and the more global and clinically focused International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (ISSLS). The PubMed database was probed to quantify trends in the overall number of articles published, the number of journals these articles were published in, and the number of active scientists producing new manuscripts. We also evaluated trends in flagship spine journals (Spine, European Spine Journal, and The Spine Journal) and in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research. The total number of active ORS3 and ISSLS authors and articles published have increased over the last 10 years. These articles are being published in hundreds of distinct journals; the number of journals is also increasing. Members of both societies published their work in Spine more than any other journal. Yet, publications in Spine decreased over the last 5 years for both ORS3 and ISSLS members, while those in European Spine Journal, and The Spine Journal remained unchanged. Furthermore, members of both societies have published in Journal of Orthopaedic Research at a consistent level. The increasing number of manuscripts and journals reflects a characteristic intrinsic to science as a whole—the global scientific workforce and output are growing and new journals are being created to accommodate the demand. These data suggest that existing spine journals do not fully serve the diverse publication needs of ORS3 and ISSLS members and highlight an unmet need for consolidating the premiere basic and translational spine research in an open access spine‐specific journal. This analysis was an important part of a decision process by the ORS to introduce JOR Spine.

Publication rates of abstracts presented across 6 major spine specialty conferences

“…This has resulted in a greater increase in publication of original research in open access journals among spine surgeons. An analysis of members of Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) Spine Section and the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (ISSLS) found that only 1 open access journal was ranked among the most common destination for publication among society members from 2007 to 2011 [29] . However, from 2012 to 2016, 3 and 4 of the top 10 journals publishing research of ORS and ISSLS members, respectively, were open access publications [29] .…”

“…An analysis of members of Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) Spine Section and the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (ISSLS) found that only 1 open access journal was ranked among the most common destination for publication among society members from 2007 to 2011 [29] . However, from 2012 to 2016, 3 and 4 of the top 10 journals publishing research of ORS and ISSLS members, respectively, were open access publications [29] . While these have allowed for a greater dissemination of research, it is unclear whether this may have any effect on increasing visibility or citation rate [ 28 , 30 ].…”

Advanced Strategies for the Regeneration of Lumbar Disc Annulus Fibrosus

“…Understanding the mechanisms of IVD degeneration to stop or reverse this process or re-establishing function through therapies is a challenge at the intersection of biomaterials, biomechanics, clinical practice, and biology [ 132 , 133 , 134 ]. Despite intense research interest in this area, lack of suitable collaborations has been a severe limitation towards the creation of effective therapeutic devices to regenerate the AF.…”

A 14-year literature survey on spine-related clinical research output by orthopedic surgeons from mainland China

“…There have been some bibliometric analysis of global spine research or orthopedic research. [ 3 , 13 – 16 ] However, bibliometric evaluation on the contribution to clinical research related to orthopedic spine surgery from mainland China was still limited. [ 17 , 18 ] In this study, we aimed to examine the available literatures in orthopedic spine surgery from mainland China in English publications within a 14-year period.…”