Scientometric analysis of global research on delayed and nonunion of fractures (2004-2023): Insights from the Web of Science core collections

Background and aims: Nonunion of fractures continue to be the most challenging complication. The increased interest in this area has been anecdotally recognized through published research. The study aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on nonunion and delayed union of fractures to identify key trends, hotspots, and potential areas for future research development.

Methods: Using a pre-defined search strategy, articles related to "Nonunion and Delayed Union of Fractures" that were published from January 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2023, were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection for scientometric analysis. The bibliometrics method was used to analyze the publication dates, countries, institutions, journals, authors, highly cited literature and research hotspots.

Results: A total of 1997 publications were identified, which registered an average of 21.42 citations per paper (CPP). The 30.39 % and 3.55 % of the 1997 global publications have received external funding support and were highly-cited papers, respectively. The USA, China and UK, were the most productive countries, while Canada, Scotland, and Belgium registered the highest citation impact. University Leeds, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Kobe University were the most productive organizations, while Vanderbilt University, University of Edinburgh and University Leeds registered the highest citation impact. Giannoudis PV, Egol KA, and Konda SR were the most productive authors, while Bhandari M, Mehta S, and Schemitsch EH registered the highest citation impact. Injury, Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma and Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery contributed the most papers, while Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-American, Injury and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research registered the highest citation impact per paper.

Conclusion: The present bibliometric analysis shows the characteristics and trends of non-union fracture research and illuminates the current research situation and developmental trends.