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100 top-cited scientific papers in limb prosthetics
Arezoo Eshraghi1, Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Hossein Gholizadeh
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. arezooeshraghi@yahoo.ca.
Biomedical Engineering Online
|November 19, 2013
Summary
This study identifies the 100 most cited articles in limb prosthetics research from 1980-2012. Top papers focus on lower limb prosthetics, rehabilitation, and orthopedics, offering level 4 evidence.
Area of Science:
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Limb prosthetics research has advanced significantly, impacting both practical and fundamental aspects.
- Highly cited scientific articles reflect key developments in the field.
- Identifying these influential works aids in understanding research trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the 100 top-cited articles in limb prosthetics published between 1980 and 2012.
- To analyze the publication characteristics, study designs, and evidence levels of these highly cited works.
- To determine the primary research areas and geographical origins of influential limb prosthetics studies.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of the Web of Knowledge database (Institute for Scientific Information) was conducted for articles published from 1980 to 2012.
- The 100 most cited articles related to limb prosthetics were selected based on citation index reports.
- Study design and level of evidence were assessed using Sackett's rules, categorizing evidence from systematic reviews to expert opinions.
Main Results:
- The top 100 cited articles were published between 1980 and 2012, with citations ranging from 11 to 90.
- Eighty-four percent were original publications, predominantly prospective case series (67%) with level 4 evidence, focusing on human subjects (96%).
- Rehabilitation (47%), orthopedics (29%), and sport sciences (28%) were the most frequent fields; North American and English-language studies received the most citations, primarily concerning lower limb prosthetics (transtibial and transradial).
Conclusions:
- Highly cited limb prosthetics research predominantly features experimental studies, particularly case series on lower limb devices.
- The findings highlight the impact of rehabilitation, orthopedics, and sports science on prosthetic advancements.
- Geographical origin and language influence citation counts, with North American and English publications being most prominent.
