Unmasking self-citations: A critical analysis using maxillofacial surgery literature as example

Bibliometric analysis serves as a potent tool for deciphering the intricacies of scholarly communication and academic impact, contributing to an observable surge in publications of this nature. The objective of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis of self-citation in Maxillofacial Surgery (MFS) literature. The retrospective study adheres to the principles outlined in the Leiden Manifesto, utilizing Web of Science and Scopus databases for a robust analysis. Various bibliometric indicators, including H-index, MFS-related articles, and citing articles, are considered, with a focus on the impact of self-citation. The extensive bibliographic search retrieved 70,288 articles, allowing for the identification of 200 prolific authors from 25 countries in MFS literature. Despite potential limitations in sample size and retrospective nature, the study provides valuable insights. Notably, the self-citation rate stood at 46.94%, prompting a nicety examination of its impact on bibliometric indicators. Changes in H-index, exclusive MFS articles, and total publications exhibited low correlations with self-citation frequency, highlighting the complexity of this phenomenon. The study emphasizes the nuanced impact of self-citation on bibliometric indicators, cautioning against demonization and advocating for a balanced and individual perspective. The findings highlight the intricate link between self-citation, high productivity, expertise, and the specific dynamics of emerging research fields within MFS.